U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem today announced U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) arrest of a known MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, wife beater, and child predator, Kilmar Abrego Garcia. 

 On August 25, ICE arrested Garcia—a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador—in Maryland. He is being processed for removal to Uganda. 

  “Today, ICE law enforcement arrested Kilmar Abrego Garcia and are processing him for deportation,” said Secretary Kristi Noem. “President Trump is not going to allow this illegal alien, who is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser, and child predator, to terrorize American citizens any longer.”

 Garcia previously admitted to being illegally present in the U.S.

Image

In 2019, the Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit validated Abrego Garcia as a member of MS-13. When he was arrested, he was found with rolls of cash and drugs and was with two other members of MS-13. 

Image

On Dec. 1, 2022, Abrego Garcia was stopped by the Tennessee Highway Patrol for speeding. Upon approach to the vehicle, the encountering officer noted eight other individuals in the vehicle.  

Image

There was no luggage in the vehicle, leading the encountering officer to suspect this was a human trafficking incident. Additionally, all the passengers gave the same home address as the subject's home address. During the interview, Abrego Garcia pretended to speak less English than he was capable of and attempted to put the encountering officer off-track by responding to questions with questions. When asked what relationship he had with the registered owner of the vehicle, Abrego Garcia replied that the owner of the vehicle is his boss, and that he worked in construction. 

Image

Jennifer Vasquez, Garcia’s wife, petitioned for an order of protection against him. She claimed he punched her, scratched her, and ripped off her shirt and bruised her. 

Image

Image

According to court filings, Kilmar Abrego Garcia also solicited nude photographs of a minor. Source-Homeland Security 

IEA News

The Forum on Islamic Banking and Finance was successfully convened on August 23, 2025 at the London Central Mosque Trust Ltd, bringing together an influential gathering of policymakers, regulators, Shariah scholars, financiers and industry leaders. Organized by AlHuda CIBE in collaboration with the Islamic Cultural Centre, UK, sponsored by Royal Bullion Capital (RBC), UAE and the event provided a dynamic platform to explore the evolving landscape of Islamic finance in the UK, Europe, and beyond, while also spotlighting the sector’s global growth trajectory.

The forum commenced with a recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Sheikh Dr. Faid Said, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Muhammad Zubair, CEO of AlHuda CIBE, UAE, and Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan, Director General of London Central Mosque & ICC, UK. Distinguished guests of honor, including H.E. Haseeb bin Aziz, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, H.E. Abdennour Gougam, Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Algeria in the UK, and eminent scholar Mufti Abdul Kadir Barkatulla, underscored the importance of Islamic banking in fostering inclusive finance and promoting ethical economic systems.

The conclave was marked by strong endorsements from key figures. H.E. Haseeb bin Aziz, Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to the UK, stated, “This forum is an excellent initiative and a significant event for the City of London. It is heartening to see the robust growth of Islamic finance mirrored here in the UK, a trend we are also witnessing profoundly in Pakistan. The Islamic finance industry in Pakistan is experiencing exceptional growth across all sectors, including full-fledged Islamic banking, Islamic microfinance, Sukuk issuances, Takaful, and the rapidly evolving Islamic FinTech landscape. Forums like these are crucial for sharing knowledge and fostering cross-border partnerships.”

Dr. Ahmad Al-Dubayan, Director General of London Central Mosque & ICC, UK, commented on the event's success, saying, “The London Central Mosque & Islamic Cultural Centre is proud to have hosted this significant gathering. The successful organization of this forum underscores our shared commitment to the development of ethical and Shariah-compliant finance. Our institution is deeply committed to supporting the growth of Islamic banking and finance within the UK and will continue to pursue this strategy in the future, providing a platform for dialogue and development.”

Echoing the sentiment on the sector's relevance, Mufti Abdul Kadir Barkatulla noted, “Islamic finance is not just a niche alternative; it is a growing necessity for modern society. Its principles of risk-sharing, avoidance of exploitation, and linking finance to real assets offer immense benefits to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. London, with its unique position as a global financial capital, is perfectly poised to lead the adoption and innovation of Islamic finance in the Western world.

Mr. Muhammad Zubair, CEO of AlHuda CIBE, provided insights into the organization's mission, stating, “For the past 20 years, AlHuda CIBE has been unwavering in its commitment to the development and promotion of Islamic banking and finance globally. We have worked dedicatedly in over 60 countries to raise awareness, build capacity, and provide expert guidance. While we operate as an advisory and consultancy organization, our core mission has always been philanthropic—dedicated to the holistic growth and professionalization of the Islamic finance industry. This forum in London is a testament to that enduring commitment.

The forum’s technical sessions highlighted the changing contours of Islamic banking in the UK and Europe, the role of interfaith dialogue through ethical finance, and the contribution of microfinance in advancing financial inclusion. A special session examined the significance of gold investment within Islamic financial structures, while a high-level panel discussion on the future of Islamic finance featured prominent voices from institutions such as Mayer Brown, Kestrl, Nester, Al Baraka Bank UK, and leading UK academics. The event concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing partners and contributors who are advancing the Islamic finance agenda in Western markets.

The UK has emerged as the principal hub for Islamic finance outside the Muslim world, with London consistently ranked as a global center for sukuk, Islamic funds, and Shariah-compliant banking. By the end of 2021, the UK’s Islamic banking assets reached approximately USD 7.5 billion, accounting for nearly 85 percent of Europe’s total Islamic banking assets (excluding Turkey). This figure rose to USD 8.2 billion by the close of 2023, reflecting a remarkable 26 percent year-on-year increase. Despite this growth, the sector remains relatively modest in domestic terms, representing just 0.1 percent of the UK’s total banking assets, yet its strategic significance lies in its international connectivity and capital markets presence.

AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy & Education through various well-recognized modes viz. We provide services in Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, Training, Islamic Microfinance, and Takaful Consultancy, complemented by our well-recognized publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.

We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory and capacity building since 2005. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments providing Services not only in UAE/Pakistan but all over the world. AlHuda has contributed to the growth of Islamic Banking and Finance in over 104 countries. Learn more at: www.alhudacibe.com.

By BBC

Several people were killed in an initial strike, and others in a second which happened as rescuers attended the scene. At least 15 people, including four journalists working for the international media, are reported to have been killed in an Israeli strike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.

Reuters said one its cameramen was killed in the attack at Nasser Hospital. The other three are reported to have worked for Al Jazeera, Associated Press and NBC.

Several people were killed in an initial strike, and others in a second which happened as rescuers attended the scene, the Hamas-run Civil Defence said.

The Israeli military and the prime minister’s office said they had no immediate comment.

Footage shows smoke rising up from the main hospital in southern Gaza.

In one video as a doctor holds up bloodied clothes to show journalists, there is another strike.

Reuters news agency said its cameraman, Husam al-Masri, was among those killed. The others are said to have been Mohammed Salameh working for Al Jazeera, Mariam Abu Daqa a journalist with the Associated Press, and photographer Muath Abu Taha, employed by the American TV Network NBC.