Muslim Photojournalist Ya’akub Vijandre Detained by ICE, Government Cites Social Media Posts
Ya’akub Vijandre, a Muslim photojournalist, martial arts teacher, and first responder, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Folkston, Georgia. He was initially arrested in Arlington, Texas on October 7. Vijandre filed an asylum application on November 19, but his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status was revoked on December 2.
The government alleges that Vijandre's social media posts are linked to terrorism. However, Vijandre and his legal team argue that these posts constitute constitutionally protected speech and that he has been targeted because of his Muslim faith. A habeas corpus petition has been filed on his behalf and is currently being litigated.
On November 3, an immigration judge refused to grant bond, citing that the posts seemingly violated federal immigration law prohibiting endorsing or espousing terroristic activity or supporting terrorist organizations. A government motion to dismiss Vijandre's habeas corpus petition filed on November 28 highlighted two particular posts: one referencing death as victory and another relating to the Fort Dix 5. Vijandre's defense team noted that the Fort Dix 5 post was not produced in court.
The legal proceedings have also referenced posts concerning the Holy Land Foundation/Hamas and Aafia Siddiqui. Vijandre maintains these posts addressed concerns about due process, while the judge questioned the meaning of certain posts including a quote linked to Islam.
An interview with The Guardian from inside Folkston detention revealed harsh conditions, including guards shouting at detainees and a staff member telling Vijandre to urinate on himself when he requested bathroom access. Vijandre said the hearing left him stunned, feeling that the government was attacking his religion. He expressed concern that Islamophobia could incite violence against his family.
The Folkston facility housed an average population of about 1,650 detainees in early November according to TRAC data. Born in the Philippines as Jacob Ira Azurin Vijandre, he has lived in the United States for 24 years. His DACA status renewal was valid through May 2026. Vijandre’s family took part in a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in 2020 honoring relatives Lorenzo Fabian and Paulino Fabian. Additionally, he has contributed to helping families, including efforts following disasters.
