The spiritual leader of Ohio's largest mosque has been detained pending deportation for his ties to Islamist terrorist organizations, including raising funds for the groups.

Imam Fawaz Damra, the spiritual leader of Ohio's largest mosque, was convicted in June 2004 of concealing ties to three groups that the U.S. government classifies as terrorist organizations when he applied for U.S. citizenship in 1994.

That conviction was upheld in March, clearing the way for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to begin deportation proceedings.

Damra, 44, was arrested early Friday without incident, the immigration office said.

"It is clear that this person, Mr. Damra, believed in terrorism, supported terrorism," said Brian Moskowitz, an agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement's office in Detroit. "This is not a man of peace or a man of God."

Unfortunately, while I agree with the characterization of Imam Damra set forth above, it appears that he is a typical man of Islam, given the fact that his mosque continues to support him.

Posted by: Greg at 11:06 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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