An Iraqi asylum-seeker who has lived in Mobile County for 17 years filed a civil rights lawsuit against the City of Mobile following an incident after his property was annexed.
In 2023, the Leroy Stevens Road property was part of a massive annexation approved by voters. The owner, Abdali Ali Issa, lived and operated his business, ASH Auto Service Body Shop and Sales, on the property. Google images show multiple vehicles on the property, along with overgrown weeds. The condition of the property led the city council to declare the property a public nuisance.
In fact, before the annexation, Issa admits "someone with the county" had already complained about the property. However, Issa said the City never notified him his property would be inspected for non-conforming use of property.
Issa, a Muslim who says he came to America "to seek sanctuary from political and religious persecution and oppression," said that's when he claims his rights were violated by an officer who responded to inspect the property.
"Like many asylum seekers, ISSA escaped to Alabama and America to experience and enjoy the blessings of liberty guaranteed and secured by our state and federal constitutions and our rich heritage of liberty secured by our common law, history, and traditions," the lawsuit states.
Officers came to inspect the property, and when Issa confronted officers and requested a search warrant, he claimed he was verbally and physically abused. He said he tried to record the interaction on his cell phone but was told to stop. According to the lawsuit, the complainant accused the officer of not activating his body-worn camera. However, an offense sheet shows the officer said the interaction was recorded on a body-worn camera.
The officer issued citations against Issa for failure to obey, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental operations.
Issa said he was injured and is now unable to work. He further claims the officer made derogatory remarks. He is seeking damages.
The 10-count lawsuit accuses the City of failing to allow due process, unlawful search and seizure, violating free speech, negligence, trespass, false arrest, malicious prosecution, abuse of process and outrage.
A response by the City has not been filed in court.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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