Muslim activist Marwan Marouf, arrested a month ago by ICE agents in Dallas, now faces a new federal charge for alleged ties to organizations classified as terrorists. According to documents cited by local media outlets such as KERA News and the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), the US government is accusing him of collaborating with the Holy Land Foundation (HLF), an entity banned since 2001. This accusation comes weeks after his immigration arrest, transforming what appeared to be an administrative process into a case with potential criminal implications. The news has raised alarms among Muslim leaders in Texas, who denounce unjustified persecution against a man with a long history of community involvement. An accusation that reopens old wounds According to the MLFA, Marouf allegedly volunteered for charitable activities linked to the HLF between 1994 and 2001, when the organization was still operating legally in the United States. Prosecutors maintain, however, that some of these programs may have funneled funds to extremist groups in the Middle East. The activist's lawyers describe the charges as "baseless and recycled," arguing that the evidence dates back more than two decades and that their client was never involved in illicit activities. "This is a political reinterpretation of old facts, used to justify his prolonged detention," said an MLFA spokesperson. Although Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has not offered extensive statements, sources close to the case cited by The Dallas Morning News claim that the new charge arose after a "background check" as part of his immigration process. So far, the opening of a formal criminal case has not been confirmed. The defense insists on his innocence. Marouf's legal team continues to demand his immediate release, arguing that authorities are detaining the activist under unfair conditions. According to the MLFA,Marwan suffers from a heart condition that has worsened during his incarceration and poses no danger to the community. "His only job has been to help others, not harm them," the organization insisted.

ICE, for its part, maintains that it is acting within the law and that the process is ongoing under federal supervision, without providing further details.

From Community Leader to Detainee

Marwan Marouf, of Jordanian origin, arrived in the United States more than twenty years ago and settled in Dallas, where he worked as a volunteer and mentor at the Muslim American Society (MAS-Dallas). For years, he organized educational workshops and support campaigns for immigrant families, and is considered a respected figure in his community.

On September 22, he was arrested while on his way to drop his son off at school. Prior to his arrest, he was notified that his application for a Green Card had been rejected.

A Complicated Outlook for His Future

Marouf remains detained in an ICE center while he awaits a hearing that could determine whether he will be released on bail or face criminal prosecution. His lawyers believe the new charge could hinder any attempt to regularize his immigration status. Authorities maintain that the case is still under judicial review.