WASHINGTON D.C. — This week, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) expressed its disappointment with a federal ruling that the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) surveillance of Muslims in New Jersey was “a lawful effort to prevent terrorism.” 

Eight plaintiffs brought the suit against New York City, claiming that the NYPD infringed on their civil liberties with its mass surveillance of Muslim communities in New Jersey.

U.S. District Judge William Martini ruled in favor of the NYPD’s spying program by stating, “the police could not have monitored New Jersey for Muslim terrorist activities without monitoring the Muslim community itself.”

MPAC says Martini ignored the fact that civil liberties were violated when NYPD targeted an entire community simply because of its faith.

Many are concerned that Martini’s ruling encourages the application of law enforcement practices that focus on religion as opposed to criminal actions and behavior. 

Martini’s false rationale connecting an entire faith community to terrorism shows not only his ignorance, but furthers the demonization of the American Muslim community in both public opinion and judicial opinion, the group stated. 

MPAC also encourages New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD Police Commissioner Bill Bratton to curb intrusive surveillance policies. 

The group says the courts have not always ruled on the right side. Seventy-two years ago, the Supreme Court ruled against civil rights activist Fred Korematsu, stating that he must go to an internment camp because internment was lawful in the name of national security. 

MPAC says Judge Martini’s ruling last week has chipped away at the civil liberties and civil rights progress the nation has made since.