US Bans UK Muslim Family From Disneyland Visit

Man says US authorities 'think every Muslim poses a threat'
By Arden Dier,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 23, 2015 9:51 AM CST
US Bans UK Muslim Family From Disneyland Visit
In this Jan. 22, 2015 file photo, visitors walk toward Sleeping Beauty's Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

A Muslim family of 11 had a major hiccup in their Disneyland vacation plans last week when US authorities barred them from boarding a flight from London to Los Angeles without explanation. The British family had been given travel authorization online prior to the Dec. 15 flight, but Homeland Security officials refused to let them on the plane, reports the Guardian. Mohammad Tariq Mahmood, who was traveling with his brother and their nine children, says the plan was to meet with cousins in southern California, then visit Disneyland and Universal Studios. While authorities wouldn't say why the family was turned away, Mahmood says "it's because of the attacks on America. They think every Muslim poses a threat."

He adds the airline wouldn't refund the $13,340 cost of flights. "I have never been more embarrassed in my life. I work here, I have a business here. But we were alienated," Mahmood says. It isn't clear if all members of the family were British or if anyone was on a "no-fly" list, per the Washington Post. Politicians say the case isn't unique, noting a growing number of British Muslims are being blocked from the US without being told why. The Guardian cites the case of British imam Ajmal Mansoor, who says he wasn't told why his visa was revoked while trying to board a flight to New York on Dec. 17. Aides say Prime Minister David Cameron will investigate after the Mahmood family's case was raised by MP Stella Creasy. (More Disneyland stories.)

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