Leaders of the American Arab, Muslim, Sikh and South Asian communities participated in a nationwide conference call today with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other government officials in which both sides pledged to work together to protect our country and safeguard the civil rights of the various ethnic and religious communities. The conference call demonstrated that the American Arab, Muslim, Sikh and South Asian communities are actively involved in helping to secure the country, and that the government is actively engaged with these communities. The DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties led the call.

Besides DHS, other agencies participating in the call included the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Justice and Department of Treasury. Representatives of the United Kingdom also participated in the conference call.

During the conference call, ethnic and religious leaders made clear their continuing commitment to and cooperation with U.S. Government officials to protect our nation's security. Government officials also pledged to continue their work to protect all communities and uphold civil rights and civil liberties. [Link]