WASHINGTON - October 31 - A prominent national Islamic civil rights and advocacy group today called on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to explain why more than 2,000 immigrants from Muslim-majority nations were singled out for questioning in 2004, despite statements at the time denying the use of religious "profiling."

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) cited newly-released government data on more than 2,500 foreigners interviewed in the fall of 2004 as possible national security threats. After being questioned about their views on the United States and what was preached in their mosques, none of those interrogated were charged with national security offenses.

In 2004, government officials responded to concerns about the interrogations by saying they were engaged in an effort to disrupt terror plots and rejected accusations of profiling. The new data shows however that "79 percent of the suspects were from Muslim-majority countries."

SEE: Inquiry Targeted 2,000 Foreign Muslims in 2004 (NY Times)

"Government agencies seeking to partner with American Muslims make that partnership harder to achieve when they appear to engage in racial, ethnic or religious profiling," said CAIR Legislative Director Corey Saylor. "American Muslims support strong and effective law enforcement measures that respect the Constitution and protect the civil and religious rights that we all cherish."

Saylor added that these "disturbing revelations" are of particular concern because of new Justice Department guidelines that may allow religious and ethnic profiling without evidence of wrongdoing on the part of those being investigated.

SEE: ACLU Fact Sheet on New Attorney General Guidelines

In July of 2004, CAIR issued a community advisory outlining the rights and responsibilities of individual Muslims who were approached by law enforcement authorities during the round of interviews announced in May of that year by then-Attorney General John Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller. CAIR said it had received a number of complaints from American Muslims who felt intimidated or coerced by officials seeking interviews and wanted to know more about their legal rights.

CAIR's 2004 community advisory stated: "American Muslims must do their part to ensure the safety and security of our nation. If you are aware of suspicious persons or activities in your community, you should report it immediately to the local Field Office of the FBI."

The advisory also outlined a potential interviewee's legal right to refuse an interview, to have an attorney present during the interview and to request to see any search warrant. It also cautioned interviewees never to lie or provide false information to the FBI.

In September, CAIR released its annual report on the status of American Muslim civil rights. That report, called "Without Fear of Discrimination," outlined 2,652 incidents and experiences of anti-Muslim violence, discrimination and harassment in 2007.

To view the entire report, click here.

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 35 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.