May 18, 2026
Los Angeles (May 18, 2026) — The California Immigrant Policy Center (CIPC) issued the following statement on the shooting today that killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
CIPC stands in unwavering solidarity with the Muslim American community following the horrific attack on the Islamic Center.
“Today, we mourn the three lives taken and we hold their families, loved ones and the entire congregation in our thoughts,” said CIPC Executive Director Masih Fouladi. “This was not a random act of violence. Police are treating this as a hate crime, and early evidence — hate speech scrawled on a weapon, writings about racial pride — makes it clear that Muslim worshippers were targeted because of who they are and what they believe. That is an attack not only on one community, but on all of us.
“Muslim Americans are our neighbors, our coworkers, our families. Immigrants and refugees from across the Muslim world have built lives and raised families here. They strengthen communities throughout California and the country. They deserve to worship in peace. They deserve to feel safe. And they deserve to know that when hate comes to them, the rest of us will not look away.
“The California Immigrant Policy Center calls on elected officials at every level and law enforcement agencies to take concrete action to protect Muslim communities and all communities targeted by hate. We need concrete actions to reject the hate and dehumanizing rhetoric that creates the conditions of violence.
“To the Muslim community of San Diego and across California: we see you, we stand in solidarity with you and we will keep fighting alongside you. To the families of the victims: our deepest condolences.”
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