The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the Arizona State University Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office after allegations surfaced that officers forcibly removed hijabs from women during a campus protest in April. According to ABC15, the inquiry will focus on whether these actions constituted a violation of civil rights.

Attorney Zayed Al-Sayyed, representing the women, confirmed receipt of a letter from the DOJ outlining the impending probe, dated October 2, 2024. "We are glad that there are checks and balances on local law enforcement agencies that act in a manner that violates the constitutional protections guaranteed to people; even if they are arrested,” Al-Sayyed said, as stated by ABC15. 

The spokespersons for ASU Police and MCSO have separately indicated their organizations' intentions to cooperate with federal investigators. MCSO is "confident that we have not violated anyone's civil rights related to this incident," Sergeant Monica Bretado told The State Press.

The incident that sparked the DOJ's interest was captured via cell phone video, showing officers removing a woman's hijab while she was handcuffed. Following their arrests, the affected women conveyed to ABC15 interviews that their pleas to keep their hijabs on were ignored by law enforcement officers.

ASU remains steadfast in its defense of the police actions, with a spokesperson saying, "We believe that ASU Police took actions that night consistent with recognized law enforcement practices. The university will cooperate fully with the review,” as reported by ABC15.