IACC Town Hall Puts Islamophobia, War Powers and ICE in Focus

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

Candidates from several North Texas races gathered Feb. 28 at the Islamic Association of Collin County (IACC) for a town hall where questions centered on religious freedom, foreign policy, education funding, and immigration enforcement.

“We provide a platform for the voters and the candidates to meet and educate them so they can decide what’s best for them,” moderator Dr. Rahman Mohammed said. “We don’t endorse any candidates.”

IACC leaders noted the mosque has served the broader community for more than 25 years, hosting civic events, interfaith gatherings, and charitable initiatives. Mohammed also highlighted the size and civic presence of the Muslim community in North Texas.

“Here in DFW… there are approximately more than 200,000 Muslims that live here,” he said, adding that the community cares deeply about “faith, freedom, public safety, economic opportunity, global stability, and justice.”

Audience members submitted questions from the floor and through a QR code system, creating a back-and-forth format rather than a formal debate.

Islamophobia and Community Safety

The first major policy question centered on whether Islamophobia is increasing and what candidates would do to address it.

A surrogate speaking on behalf of Evan Hunt, a Democratic candidate in Texas’ 3rd Congressional District, said, “Islamophobia is a real thing,” and added that Hunt would support protections for places of worship.

Congressional candidate Mark Newgent, a Republican challenging Rep. Keith Self in the TX-03 primary, pointed to constitutional protections. “The First Amendment is absolute for the freedom of religion,” he said.

Zeeshan Hafeez, Democratic candidate in Texas’ 33rd Congressional District, criticized federal immigration enforcement and described ICE as “a broken agency,” later saying, “There is no reforming ICE — abolish and prosecute.”

At the state level, Emeka Eluka, who grew up in Nigeria in a mixed Christian and Muslim society, said faith communities should be able to coexist without fear. “I don’t believe and I would not accept anyone hating anyone for any single reason,” he said. “We need to come together.”

Foreign Policy and War Powers

Foreign policy and executive authority dominated the congressional portion, drawing some of the night’s longest answers.

Newgent said he would oppose military action taken without congressional approval. “Declaring war without congressional authorization is a big one,” he said..

Hafeez described recent U.S. military action as “illegal,” arguing Congress must reassert its authority over war powers. He called for redirecting federal spending toward domestic priorities, saying, “Americans don’t want to see billions of their tax dollars going to commit atrocities abroad… They want to see those tax dollars invested in our communities.”

Dr. Andrew “Dr. Drew” Rubell, a candidate in Texas 4th Congressional District, who emphasized his long Texas roots and academic background, said he does not support additional foreign wars.

“We have the money to prioritize taking care of domestic issues here at home,” Rubell said. “I absolutely would not fund another foreign war.”

Free Speech and Anti-BDS Laws

Candidates were asked about anti-BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) laws, which require certain government contractors to certify they do not boycott Israel.

Mark Newgent framed the issue as one of free speech. “If you want to boycott a person, you have the right,” he said. “You have the right to peaceful protest.”

Zeeshan Hafeez said elected officials should be responsive to constituents rather than outside political influence and argued campaign finance reform is necessary to restore public trust.

Public Schools and Vouchers

State House candidates spent significant time discussing school vouchers and public education funding.

Jordan Wheatley, a public school teacher running for Texas House District 67, called public education “a civil right.”

“Public school is a civil right. Everybody should have an opportunity to have an education,” Wheatley said, adding, “Voucher scam has to go.”

Angie Carraway, a 14-year public school educator running in Texas House District 89, said Texas has not raised the basic student allotment since 2019 and argued funding must prioritize public schools.

“If the state would take care, as it’s supposed to by the Texas Constitution, take care of its public schools, raise the basic student allotment, we can have the property tax relief,” Carraway said.

Emeka similarly warned against weakening public education, stating, “Do not sacrifice public school for vouchers.”

ICE and Local Enforcement

One of the most direct audience questions asked what candidates would do to prevent immigration enforcement actions near mosques and religious institutions.

Hafeez warned that current federal enforcement practices have created fear in immigrant and Muslim communities. “If you look like anyone in this room, you could be the next target of ICE,” he said.

“They’re over-militarized,” Newgent said, arguing ICE officers should operate like civilian police and carry standard sidearms rather than military-style equipment.

Dr Drew addressed the issue in broader constitutional terms, saying, “America is forever in the position of improving our democracy,” and emphasizing that civil liberties must be protected.

IACC Closing Message on Civic Participation

As the forum concluded, Mohammed reminded attendees that the goal was participation, not persuasion.

“We don’t endorse any candidates,” he said. “If you haven’t voted, make sure that you definitely vote.”

The questions underscored how national debates over war powers, immigration enforcement, and education funding are shaping concerns inside Collin County’s Muslim community.

 

Editor’s Correction: This article previously misidentified the office sought by Dr. Andrew “Dr. Drew” Rubell. He is a candidate for Texas’ 4th Congressional District, not Texas Senate District 4. We regret the error and have corrected the article.