L.A. authorities hold Tunisian artist following a decade-long residency in the U.S.; his medical professional spouse voices her concerns publicly
Article Title: Tunisian Musician Rami Othmane Detained in Arizona Amidst Immigration Crackdown
Rami Othmane, a well-known classical Arabic musician in Southern California, was transferred to an immigration detention facility in Arizona last week. The news has sparked concern and outrage among his fellow musicians, immigration advocates, and activists.
Othmane, a Tunisian singer, was arrested by immigration agents in Pasadena on July 13, 2022, while driving to a grocery store. According to his wife, Dr. Wafaa Alrashid, Othmane had been performing across Southern California for years.
At the time of his arrest, Othmane was carrying his pending green card application. The Trump administration's immigration crackdown has affected not only immigrants without legal status but also legal permanent residents like Othmane.
During his detention, Othmane gave a sweater to a fellow detainee and built a makeshift barrier around the open toilet using trash bags. Despite his pending green card application and the dismissal of his deportation order in 2020, the Department of Homeland Security did not address these issues.
Othmane had a procedural hearing on Thursday where the judge verified his immigration status. A bail bond hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. Dr. Alrashid hopes to get her husband out on bail while his case is being processed.
Dr. Alrashid works at a hospital in the Los Angeles area, and she first met Othmane when he was singing at a restaurant. Pablo Alvarado, co-executive director of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, said that bringing music to detainees was an act of resistance.
The facility where Othmane was held had no beds, pillows, blankets, soap, toothbrushes, or toothpaste. The bathroom in the facility was open to all detainees. Othmane informed Dr. Alrashid over the phone that his left leg was swollen.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased arrests, including of people without criminal records, but the focus has largely been on unauthorized immigrants rather than lawful permanent residents. However, LPRs who violate immigration laws, hold criminal records, or are perceived to be a threat may be detained and referred for removal proceedings.
Recent enforcement trends show a crackdown under the current administration aiming to deport large numbers, including green card holders accused of legal violations or past crimes. Although ICE operations primarily target unauthorized immigrants, some green card holders have been arrested during raids if suspected of offenses or status violations.
A rally was held outside the detention facility where Othmane was initially held, with Othmane's fellow musicians, immigration advocates, and activists in attendance. The community is hopeful for Othmane's release and continues to rally in support of his case.
[1] Immigration and Customs Enforcement [2] National Day Laborer Organizing Network [3] American Civil Liberties Union [4] Immigrant Legal Resource Center
- The arrest of Rami Othmane, a Tunisian singer and legal permanent resident, by immigration agents has raised concerns among various groups, leading to protests by fellow musicians, immigration advocates, and activists, even as organizations like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network have deemed bringing music to detainees as an act of resistance.
- The recent crackdown in immigration enforcement under the current administration, targeting not only unauthorized immigrants but also green card holders, has led to calls for justice from organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, as seen in the ongoing protests against the detention of Rami Othmane.
