Federal Lawsuit Alleges OC Deputies Forced Hijab Removal During UC Irvine Protest

Two Muslim women, Salma Nasoordeen and Shenai Aini, have filed a federal lawsuit against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Orange County, alleging deputies forcibly removed their hijabs during and after their arrest at a pro-Palestinian protest at UC Irvine in May 2024. The women claim the deputies violated their religious freedom by making them remove their head coverings in public and in view of male officers, with the incidents also being broadcast by media. Attorneys argue that the hijab represents a deeply held religious belief and its forced removal constitutes a violation of both state and federal law, as well as the women’s civil rights. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department denies the allegations, asserting that no women were required to remove their hijabs in front of male employees or the public and that any removals were done privately for security reasons. The plaintiffs describe the forced removal as an attack on their faith and dignity, emphasizing that religious rights should be respected even when individuals are in custody. The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about religious liberty protections and the treatment of Muslim women in law enforcement custody.