CNN producer and editor who is also an Iraqi national is suing the U.S. government after he was allegedly detained under President Trump’s immigration ban.
CNN producer and editor who is also an Iraqi national is suing the U.S. government after he was allegedly detained under President Trump’s immigration ban, according the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, or AJC.
On Sunday, Mohammed Tawfeeq reportedly flew into Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, but was searched and temporarily held even though he is a permanent resident of the U.S.
As such, the AJC piece says he is claiming a violation of the U.S. Constitution in addition to the Immigration and Nationality Act and the Administrative Procedure Act.
The lawsuit argues, “The executive order has greatly increased the uncertainty involved in current and future international travel for returning lawful permanent residents like Mr. Tawfeeq.”
The defendants reportedly include the U.S. departments of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection, among others.
CNN has since issued a statement of support for him, saying, “This is a basic request to clarify and assert his rights under the law. We support him in this effort and hope its resolved quickly.”
His lawsuit is one of many legal challenges the executive order is facing from various states and foreign nationals amid claims that it is unconstitutional, notes Reuters.
But President Trump continues to stand by his decision, tweeting Wednesday, “Everybody is arguing whether or not it is a BAN. Call it what you want, it is about keeping bad people (with bad intentions) out of country!”
