(HARTFORD, CT, 5/7/2026) – As thousands of Muslims across the United States prepare to travel for Hajj, family visits, business trips, and summer vacations, the Connecticut chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CT) is reminding community members to understand their constitutional rights while traveling through U.S. airports.
In light of ongoing concerns regarding immigration enforcement encounters, airport screenings, and incidents of anti-Muslim profiling, CAIR-CT has launched a community awareness initiative aimed at educating travelers about their legal protections and available resources.
“Many travelers, particularly those from Muslim and immigrant communities, continue to experience heightened scrutiny at airports,” said Farhan Memon, CAIR-CT Chairman. “Knowing your rights can help travelers navigate these situations calmly, confidently, and safely. Over the years, many Muslims have been delayed, extensively questioned, and in some cases had their phones seized without clear justification simply because they were Muslim. Last year alone, CAIR-CT assisted a Muslim traveler from Connecticut’s 2nd Congressional District whose phone was seized, and another individual from the 5th District who was delayed and subjected to extensive questioning. Many other cases go unreported. This kind of profiling and discriminatory treatment must come to an end.”
CAIR-CT emphasized that travelers interacting with officers from the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection still retain important constitutional protections. Travelers have the right to remain silent, ask whether they are being detained, request an attorney, and be treated with dignity and without discrimination.
The organization also reminded travelers that:
- U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry into the United States;
- Green card holders should not sign documents or surrender their status without speaking to an attorney; and
- Visa holders should answer basic questions truthfully while avoiding unnecessary disclosures.
CAIR-CT also highlighted growing concerns regarding digital privacy at airports. Officers may ask to search electronic devices, including phones and laptops. Travelers are encouraged to minimize sensitive data on devices, back up important information, and understand that while refusing to provide passwords may lead to delays or device seizure, individuals should never provide false information to law enforcement officers.
For Muslims traveling to or returning from Saudi Arabia for Hajj, CAIR-CT advised travelers to expect possible additional screening and to carry travel itineraries, hotel information, and group details. The organization also reminded travelers to comply with airline regulations regarding Zamzam water and religious items.
CAIR-CT encouraged all travelers who experience harassment, discrimination, or rights violations at airports to document the incident, request officers’ names and badge numbers, and contact the organization for assistance.
The organization is also offering Know Your Rights presentations for mosques, community centers, and organizations throughout Connecticut.
Read and download CAIR-CT’s Know Your Rights as an airline passenger guide here:
CAIR-CT Know Your Rights Guide
Watch CAIR’s Know Your Rights travel video here:
CAIR-CT Know Your Rights Video
Access multilingual Know Your Rights materials in English, Arabic, Bengali, Bosnian, Farsi, Somali, Urdu, Dari, and Pashto here:
Multilingual Know Your Rights Resources
Request a Know Your Rights session for your mosque or organization here:
Request a CAIR-CT Know Your Rights Session
Community members seeking assistance may contact CAIR-CT at:
- Phone: (203) 290-1727
- Email: info@cair-ct.com
CAIR-CT is the Connecticut chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Farhan Memon, CAIR-CT Chairman, 203-517-6526 or fmemon@cair.com
