The Santa Clara Sheriff's Office denied Saturday that one of its deputies forcibly removed a hijab of a Muslim woman that was arrested and booked in a Milpitas correctional facility.
The statement came days after the Council on American-Islamic Relations in the Bay Area said the Muslim woman, Asia Aden, had her hijab "violently yanked" from her while being booked into Elmwood Correctional Facility, even though she asked to keep the headwear out of religious beliefs.
"The Sheriff's Office received the complaint and reviewed the surveillance footage. Force was not used to remove the Hijab and in fact the complainant was asked to remove it herself," the Sheriff's public information office said. "In general, these garments must be searched upon entering the facility before they are returned or another is issued. The Sheriff's Office is committed to protecting people's religious rights while also ensuring the safety of everyone in the facilities," the law enforcement agency explained.
According to the Sheriff's Office, its collaboration with CAIR after a similar concern in 2021 led to the creation of its "Religious Practices policy" to ensure that anyone wearing a Hijab, Kufi, Turban or Yarmulke will be "reasonably accommodated, subject to the compelling interest for facility security or to prevent self-harm."
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office denies it “yanked” hijab off of Muslim womanThe Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office is denying that a deputy forcibly removed the hijab of a Muslim woman who was booked into jail.
Read more »
Opinion: Sheriff Kelly Martinez is just a clone of former sheriff Bill GoreOpinion: Sheriff Kelly Martinez is just a clone of former sheriff Bill Gore [Opinion]
Read more »
12 horses, 24 dogs found dead on Collin County property, sheriff’s office saysTwelve horses and 24 dogs were found dead “in advanced states of decomposition” in Collin County. Two dogs, two horses, a cow, a lizard and a snake were found...
Read more »
Saratoga teenager Katherine Schneider missing for nearly a month; Sheriff's office seeks helpA teenage girl from Saratoga has been missing for nearly a month and authorities are seeking the public's help in finding her.
Read more »
Sheriff's office reviewing policies after an inmate killed Deputy John Durm during escape attemptThe Marion County Sheriff's Office is reviewing its policies as part of its investigation into the death of Deputy John Durm, who was killed by an inmate trying to escape.
Read more »
Hays County Sheriff’s Office looks into non-lethal restraining device following deadly shootingThis comes as use of force cases are top of mind for departments, including Hays County, following an officer-involved deadly shooting in December 2022.
Read more »