Adeel Mangi faces opposition for federal appellate court judge nomination

Adeel Mangi, a nominee for the first Muslim American federal appellate court judge, is facing opposition from law enforcement groups that are challenging his nomination. Despite his impressive legal background with degrees from Oxford and Harvard, his volunteer work with the Alliance of Families for Justice has raised concerns among some lawmakers. The Alliance provides legal aid to inmates and support for their families, but critics point to the involvement of a former board member, Kathy Boudin, who was convicted in a fatal 1981 robbery.

Law enforcement groups have expressed reservations about Mangi's nomination, citing an alleged bias against police. Some key Democrats, including Senators Joe Manchin, Jacky Rosen, and Catherine Cortez Masto, have come out against his confirmation, making Republican support crucial for his approval. Mangi has vehemently denied any anti-police sentiments and emphasized his legal achievements and endorsements from other law enforcement organizations.

The White House is rallying support for Mangi, highlighting his legal expertise and condemning what they call baseless attacks on his character. Despite criticism from Jewish groups regarding his past affiliation with a research center, Mangi has received backing from the Anti-Defamation League, which defended him against unrelated questioning during his confirmation hearing.

The intense scrutiny surrounding Mangi's nomination underscores the broader political battle over judicial appointments. With the Senate divided on his confirmation, the fate of his candidacy remains uncertain, as both sides engage in a heated debate over his qualifications and affiliations.