Adopted by the 34th LD District Democrats on September 10, 2025
Resolution Denouncing Arrest of Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry and Detention by ICE of American Residents and Demanding Their Release
WHEREAS United States residents, many of whom have lived, worked, and paid taxes for decades, are being
detained by ICE, and Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, an activist for peace and an honorable, decorated, disabled
veteran in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained in US military training for service to our country, has been
placed in ICE detention after a naturalization meeting under circumstances that raise significant concerns about
the protection of civil liberties and the overreach of the executive branch; and
WHEREAS the arrest of Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry sparked widespread concern among residents of the 34th
Legislative District, who believe these actions are intended to intimidate political opposition and activism into
silence and inaction, and to unjustly infringe on the fundamental rights of individuals—particularly
non-citizens—to peacefully assemble, speak out, and engage in activism without fear of retaliation or
criminalization; and
WHEREAS, as Democrats, we must stand against any actions that disrespect the service of our veterans,
undermine our democracy or create a chilling effect on activism, especially when it comes to protecting the rights
of individuals who seek to make positive changes in their communities through lawful means;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats call for the immediate release of Muhammad Zahid
Chaudhry from solitary confinement and ICE custody, processing of his naturalization as a US citizen recognizing
his service in the US military, and DHS act in accordance with due process guaranteed by the US Constitution
protecting democratic freedoms and rights, fostering open dialogue, and refraining from any actions that
contribute to or support the unjust criminalization of activism or the targeting of individuals for their political
beliefs or activism; and
THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats call for the application due process
guarantees for all detained people and release of individuals who have not been convicted of a crime; and urge
that those committing illegal acts pertaining to the detention of Zahid and others be brought to justice in
accordance with the US Constitution; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED the 34th District Democrats resoundingly condemn the arrest of Muhammad Zahid
Chaudhry as a blatant violation of the right to free speech, and reaffirm our commitment to defending
democracy, human rights, and the fundamental freedoms that define our nation.
Submitted by 34th District Democrats member, Steve Rubicz, on August 28, 2025