MENG DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM DHS OVER TREATMENT OF MUSLIM DETAINEES IN FLORIDA: Congresswoman calls for halt to abhorrent practices and investigation into department’s protocols to ensure religious and dietary beliefs of detained individuals are honored

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security—which has oversight over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) budget and policies—announced today she sent a letter to acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf after news emerged that Muslim detainees in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Miami, Florida, were forced to choose between pork or pork-based products and rotten or expired halal meals.

Meng called for a halt to the practices and an investigation into the matter.

“I’m appalled by the news that Muslim detainees are forced to choose between their faith and food. This is abhorrent and acting DHS Secretary Wolf must ensure all detainees’ religious and dietary requirements are met,” said Meng. “While our nation has struggled to contain COVID-19, this is no excuse to treat people with less dignity and respect, including those in U.S. detention facilities. I urge the secretary to personally resolve this issue and look forward to his response.” Press Release.