An interesting story at the LA Times on a recent event sponsored by CAIR: Muslims Hold Forum, With Absences.

Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement were invited, but did not attend. Hmm.

Muslim American groups from Southern California held a town hall meeting Monday to discuss with federal officials what they call unfair targeting of Muslim travelers and immigrants in the wake of 9/11.

Nearly 500 people attended the meeting, held at a La Mirada hotel. But not everyone on the coalition’s guest list showed up.

A representative of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said that a week ago he invited officials from the Department of Homeland Security, including the local heads of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Transportation Security Administration.

The officials declined, said Omar Zaki, director of government relations for CAIR’s office in Anaheim. The officials said that their local offices handle only enforcement and do not set policy, Zaki said.

Lori Haley, a spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, declined to comment Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security has “completely closed the door on this community,” said Zaki at Monday’s meeting. “They’ve taken the position that it isn’t important for them to be here. They’ve avoided every opportunity to talk with us. Their arrogance is not acceptable. This is about accountability.”