In the First Amendment, “congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise” (Foner A-38). After 9/11, the police tapped into broader powers of surveillance and interrogation, many antagonizing the Muslim community (Egger 212,213). During his time in jail, Zeitoun develops a conflict between his religion and his “adopted country” (Egger 255). He starts to inquire the real reason why he’s in jail, “he was being held without contact, charges, bail or tail”, knowing that the United State government can seize a Muslim man or women “without ever having to charge him [or her] with a crime” (Egger 255). Later on, Zeitoun finds out “[speculation] on possible terrorist exploitation of a high category hurricane” was many authorities mindset regardless of how little the possibility was, at the time they believe arresting Zeitoun because he was Muslim was maintaining the law and order (Egger 308). This disaster lead to mistreatment just by one look or assumption. Out of trepidation, the U.S. government was willing to rob every one of their rights. Even though legally religion can no longer be rightfully used against someone, social categories are often still …show more content…
The police officer making the arrest, based on the Fifth Amendment, must inform the person of his or her Miranda Rights, which is “an individual in police custody must be informed of the rights to remain silent and to confer with a lawyer before answering questions and must be told that any statements might be used in court” (Foner 1023). The Fifth Amendment also states, “no person shall be held to answer for a capital, unless on a presentment or indictment of the Grand Jury (Foner A-38). As Zeitoun was “pushed toward the front door” he was not granted those options (Egger 207). During Hurricane Katrina officers were not interested in ant type of justification. It was more like they had been assigned a task they had to fulfill at whatever expense of basic human rights and dignity. As Zeitoun arrives at Camp Greyhound, “he was not told of the charges against him” or given a phone call (Egger 216). As the simple legal rights of a detainee, it is mandatory be informed of the charges held against one’s self. It seems that the denial of rights has become its own law. Zeitoun later experiences desperation as he begs a missionary for a phone