1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the recent detention of Mr. Karim Daoud, a resident of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, who was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 12, 2025. Mr. Daoud, a devoted husband and father of two, has been a valued member of our community for nearly two decades. According to reports, Mr. Daoud arrived in the United States from Egypt in 2004 on a tourist visa. He has since built a life here, marrying his wife Jen, a U.S. citizen, and raising their two children. He is well-known in the community as a pickleball instructor and restaurant server, always willing to lend a helping hand to those around him. On March 12, Mr. Daoud attended a routine appointment at a Newark immigration office to renew his work authorization. Unexpectedly, he was informed of an error, directed to ICE, and subsequently detained with the intent of deportation. This abrupt action has left his family and our community in shock and distress. The Daoud family is currently facing significant hardships. Jen, Mr. Daoud's wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and one of their children is battling ulcerative colitis. The absence of Mr. Daoud during this critical time exacerbates the challenges they are enduring. These incidents are becoming more frequent and it's horrifying. There has been no accountability or recourse. The immigration process and legal statuses of immigrants is not well understood by the public, leading to apathy and disregard. Please push for Mr. Daoud to be released, and for better adherence to the law by immigration officials.