Homeland Security head tries to build trust in L.A. Muslim community
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U.S Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson met last week with American Muslim leaders who’ve raised concerns about government surveillance, initiatives to combat extremism and treatment during airport security screenings.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the meeting at the Islamic Center of San Gabriel Valley in Rowland Heights, which was closed to the media, was intended to “build partnerships and build trust,” Johnson said after gathering with about 60 community leaders.
Community leaders say the discussion around Countering Violent Extremism focuses only on the fear of extreme or violent acts committed by Muslims, not extremist behavior in any other community.
“We do not wish to be treated as a suspect community,” said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ Greater Los Angeles Area Chapter, who attended the meeting.
Johnson also said he wanted to reinforce the “see something, say something” motto used by the Department of Homeland Security to encourage a unified effort from the community and law enforcement.
“It means more than a slogan,” he said. “It means public participation in our Homeland Security efforts.”
But some community leaders said this level of awareness was already going on in the community.
