A Palestinian immigrant detained for nine days at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston was released earlier this week, according to announcements from the Maria Kari Law Firm and the Houston chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Houston).

Muhanad J. M. Alshrouf, 22, arrived at IAH on July 5 aboard an Emirates Airlines flight from Dubai. He entered the country with a valid U.S. immigrant visa, reportedly obtained after completing a years-long immigration process. Despite his legal status, he was held in a secondary screening room upon arrival and remained there without access to legal counsel, basic hygiene, proper food, or a change of clothes, according to statements from his legal representatives and advocacy organizations.

Houston Public Media reported that Alshrouf was released at approximately 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15. The Maria Kari Law Firm and CAIR-Houston had been involved in efforts to secure his release, citing concerns over his prolonged detention and lack of access to necessary resources during that time.

Alshrouf’s case drew attention from civil rights advocates, who noted that he had no criminal history and had passed extensive background checks by both U.S. and Israeli authorities. His stated intention in coming to the United States was to reunite with his U.S. citizen father and siblings.

The incident follows a similar case earlier this month in which CAIR’s Dallas-Fort Worth chapter welcomed the release of Ward Sakeik, a Palestinian woman detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after returning from her honeymoon.

According to CAIR and its regional branches, the organization continues to advocate for the rights of immigrants and individuals affected by what they describe as discriminatory enforcement practices. The Maria Kari Law Firm and CAIR-Houston indicated ongoing support for Alshrouf and others facing comparable situations.