Residents urge Garland council to call for release of detained community volunteer Marwan Maroof

Multiple Garland residents and community leaders used the Oct. 21 citizens'‑comment period to ask the City Council to call for the release on bond of Marwan "Amu" Maroof, a Garland resident and longtime volunteer at the Muslim American Society who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Sept. 22.

Speakers described Maroof as a longtime community volunteer who supported youth programs, organized relief efforts and provided space and resources for interfaith and civic activities. Jana Ishmael said Maroof "was the person who would always ensure that every community member, no matter their background or religion, is welcome" and urged the council to "voice our concerns and call for Marwan Maroof's immediate release." Haya Abdel Rahman, a law student and community organizer, said Maroof has been honored for his pandemic relief work and added that his detention is part of a broader pattern of targeting Palestinian, Muslim and immigrant communities.

Other speakers included Hadeel Ali, Carl Smith, Danny Starnes, Musa Salem, Ahmad Taha, Abdelrahman Salim, Ahmad Garbi and Maria Bridal Latif. Many speakers recounted personal stories of Maroof’s mentorship and service; several asked the council to issue a public statement in support of his release so he can continue his legal fight outside detention. Ahmed Garbi noted family concerns about Maroof’s health while detained and urged city leaders to act.

Council did not take action during the meeting; the speakers asked the council to use its local voice to contact ICE or to issue a statement expressing support for Maroof’s release. The meeting record shows multiple public comments on the topic but no formal council motion or vote related to the request during the Oct. 21 session.