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Utah Islamic Center responds to Sen. Cruz’s comments on ‘Muslim neighborhoods’

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SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Islamic Center responded to Senator Ted Cruz's recent comments on "Muslim neighborhoods."

The Republican presidential candidate and Texas Senator recently said, "We need to empower law enforcement to patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized."

Imam Shuaib Din, a spiritual leader for a local Islamic congregation, said he was disappointed with Cruz's comment.

He explained there are no specific "Muslim neighborhoods."

"The first thing was, 'Where are these Muslim neighborhoods?'" Because I was born in America, lived here all my life, and I've never come across these Muslim neighborhoods," Din said.

He explained he even anticipated this type of behavior from national leaders after the deadly terror attacks in Brussels.

"It looks like they will say whatever they want to say, whatever they need to say to rank up their ratings, to garnish the votes," Din said. "I would like him to represent the America that is America; the vision of our forefathers, not some third country dictator. We are an immigrant community just like anybody else, trying to seek the best opportunities for ourselves, our families, for our children."

FOX 13 News reached out to Utah Governor Gary Herbert for his reaction to Cruz's comment, since the governor endorsed the senator on Monday. However, FOX 13 has not received a response from his office.