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Woman Files $250K Claim Against Michigan Police, Says Forced Hijab Removal Violated Religious Rights

A legal dispute in Michigan is highlighting the tension between standard police security procedures and religious freedom, after a Muslim woman filed a claim demanding $250,000 from the Ferndale Police Department for being required to remove her headscarf during booking.

The incident stems from a traffic stop in November 2023. According to police, Helina Bowe was pulled over on Eight Mile Road for displaying a license plate that did not belong to her vehicle. Officers say she informed them she had a taser, but a subsequent search revealed an illegal stun gun. She was arrested and taken to the police station for processing.

It was during the standard booking procedure that the conflict arose. Bowe says she was "traumatized" when officers insisted she remove her hijab—a headscarf worn as an act of faith by many Muslim women—to be photographed.

"I'm Muslim, so it's very important that I wear hijab. It's like a form of worship for me," Bowe stated. "I'm traumatized and feeling numb and detached." Her attorney, Nabih Ayad, argues the department failed to follow Michigan's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which requires government entities to accommodate religious practices unless there is a compelling security reason not to.

The Ferndale Police Department defends its actions. Police Chief Dennis Emmi stated that the removal was a standard part of the booking process to check for injuries, scars, marks, or tattoos, and to ensure no weapons are concealed. The department's policy, which requires the removal of all head coverings for booking photos, is currently under review.

In November 2024, Bowe's legal team filed a notice of intention to file a civil lawsuit—a required precursor—seeking $250,000 in damages for the alleged violation of her constitutional and statutory rights. The police department has 90 days to respond to the claim before a formal lawsuit can be filed in federal court.

The case puts a spotlight on how law enforcement agencies across the country balance security protocols with religious accommodations, a recurring challenge in the justice system. The outcome could influence police booking policies in Michigan and beyond.


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