FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 8, 2025
[email protected]
Washington, D.C. | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is gravely concerned about the increasing pattern of harassment and intimidation directed at attorneys throughout the United States by officials from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recent developments, including the detention and interrogation of Dearborn-based attorney Amir Makled at Detroit Metro Airport, underscore a troubling climate of fear meant to dissuade attorneys from challenging problematic actions by government officials and any overreach of power.
During a recent return from a family trip, Mr. Makled was detained at Detroit Metro Airport for roughly 90 minutes. Two federal agents questioned him about his clients and insisted on examining his phone, which contained privileged and confidential information. Although Mr. Makled eventually agreed to show them his contact list, he firmly refused to surrender his device. He was later released, but remains deeply concerned that the interrogation was prompted by his involvement in high-profile civil rights cases challenging government policies, including his representation of a pro-Palestinian demonstrator arrested at the University of Michigan last year.
These intimidation tactics directed toward lawyers—both in large and small firms—are not isolated incidents. They reflect a broader and deeply alarming trend. Major law firms, such as Paul Weiss, have been pressured into pledging $40 million toward initiatives favored by the Trump administration, a move that the ADC believes is intended to suppress free speech in our courts, advance anti-democratic political agendas, and deter attorneys and public advocates from defending the Constitution and the rights of all.
“As we near the first 100 days of President Trump’s term, these attacks on legal professionals, as well as on students, educators, and migrants, set a dangerous precedent,” said Abed Ayoub, ADC National Executive Director. “Any overreach of power meant to intimidate attorneys is a direct threat to our justice system and democracy. We stand with every lawyer who refuses to be silenced and remains committed to protecting the rule of law.”
The ADC urges the public to recognize that these escalated tactics are an early warning of further efforts to dissuade lawful challenges to government overreach. Our collective responsibility is to uphold American ideals and constitutional principles, reject draconian policies and laws, and resist any measures designed to make our communities feel helpless. This country belongs to everyone who participates in it with the purest intentions, and we each have a stake in ensuring that justice and fairness prevail.
ADC Legal Hotline
Individuals facing harassment and discrimination by CBP, ICE and DHS authorities can contact ADC’s Legal Hotline at 844.ADC.9955 (844.232.9955).