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Hundreds in Michigan asked to submit to 'terror questioning'

By Carol Yancho
CNN Producer

DETROIT, Michigan (CNN) -- Federal authorities in eastern Michigan began mailing letters Tuesday to more than 500 young men from Middle Eastern and predominantly Muslim countries, asking them to schedule "voluntary" interviews with the FBI in an effort to generate leads in the investigation of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

The letter was being sent to roughly 560 men between the ages of 18 and 33 who have been in the United States on non-immigrant visas since January 2000.

Jeffrey Collins, newly appointed U.S. Attorney for the eastern district of Michigan, stressed that he has no reason to believe any of the people receiving the letter are associated with terrorist activities in any way.

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"Nevertheless, you may know something that could be helpful in our efforts. In fact, it is quite possible that you have information that may seem irrelevant to you but which may help us piece together this puzzle," he wrote in the letter.

The interview process is part of a nationwide effort by the Justice Department to interview as many as 5,000 men of Middle Eastern or southeast Asian descent who are in the United States on visas.

The plan was announced two weeks ago by Attorney General John Ashcroft and some Arab-American organizations in the U.S. are keeping a close watch on the process.

"We're concerned that this might lead, by incriminating many of these individuals, based on the principle of guilt by association, which we see as unfair and unjust," said Imad Hamad, Midwest regional director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

Those who agree to be interviewed will be asked if they have ever been approached by members of a terrorist organization in the United States or in their native country.

Hamad said his office in Dearborn, Michigan -- a community with the nation's highest concentration of Arab-Americans -- has received numerous calls from people who believe they could receive the letter. Most callers were inquiring about the process and their rights.

"Many people tend to believe that this could be a slippery slope, people are wondering, 'if we start with this what could be next?'" Hamad said.

Hamad said he understands the Justice Department's need to conduct these interviews, and he believes that sending out the letters is at least a professional and courteous manner to contact those individuals.

"It is based solely on gender and nationality, which make it a form of racial profiling, regardless of how we are going to deal with it or how we are going to implement it," he said.

Most importantly, people need to be informed that this is a "voluntary" interview, and that they are not suspects and should not be treated as such, Hamad said.

The letter asks for a response by December 4. Federal agents as well as law enforcement officers in more than 65 Michigan communities will conduct the interviews. Those involved are encouraged to attend training sessions at meetings scheduled Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Interviews would begin December 3 at the earliest. Those who agree to be interviewed can choose the site and may have a lawyer present, although the letter does not disclose this.

The U.S. Attorney's office in western Michigan chose not to send letters to 85 men in six counties. Instead, agents will personally visit the men to inform them of the interview request.

Although Collins' letter states the interview is voluntary, it remains unclear what action, if any, would be taken if someone declines to be interviewed.

A call to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Detroit for clarification on that point was not immediately returned.

The entire text of the letter, dated November 26, follows:

"As you may know, law enforcement officers and federal agents have been acquiring information that may be helpful in determining the persons responsible for the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Furthermore, they are pursuing all leads that may assist in preventing any further attacks. I am asking that you assist us in this important investigation.

"Your name was brought to our attention because, among other things, you came to Michigan on a visa from a country where there are groups that support, advocate, or finance international terrorism. We have no reason to believe that you are, in any way, associated with terrorist activities. Nevertheless, you may know something that could be helpful in our efforts. In fact, it is quite possible that you have information that may seem irrelevant to you but which may help us piece together this puzzle.

"Please contact my office to set up an interview at a location, date, and time that is convenient for you. During this interview, you will be asked questions that could reasonably assist in the efforts to learn about those who support, commit, or associate with persons who commit terrorism.

"While this interview is voluntary, it is crucial that the investigation be broad-based and thorough, and the interview is important to achieve that goal. We need to hear from you as soon as possible -- by December 4. Please call my office between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day, including Saturday and Sunday. We will work with you to accommodate your schedule."

Yours truly,

Jeffrey Collins United States Attorney

Robert P. Cares Assistant United States Attorney



 
 
 
 



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