Cair urges US Muslims to seek security grants from DHS

Cair's initiative also involves urging Muslims to strengthen ties with law enforcement, a move that has ignited debate within the community. While some are eager to collaborate with police, others view law enforcement with suspicion due to historical issues, including FBI investigations and surveillance programs.

Cair's "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" booklet suggests actions such as informing local police about mosque schedules, inviting officers for meetings, and seeking liaison with state and federal agencies. The booklet also recommends acknowledging positive actions by individual officers.

However, critics, including former FBI agent Terry Albury, argue that such engagement can be exploited by authorities for intelligence gathering and that these programs are part of the broader War on Terror. Albury contends that government agencies may cultivate relationships with community members under the guise of civic duty, leading to unwitting participation as informants. The article suggests that Cair's emphasis on projecting respectability through cooperation may overshadow genuine security needs and potentially lead to increased scrutiny of Muslim institutions.