A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, from ICE detention, citing a substantial First Amendment claim regarding his advocacy for Palestinian rights. Sarsour, a legal permanent resident, was released to his Milwaukee home while his immigration case continues.
The ruling affirms that individuals in the U.S., even non-citizens, possess First Amendment rights and that advocacy for political causes, such as Palestinian rights, cannot be the sole basis for detention.
A federal judge has ordered U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release Salah Sarsour, the president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, from detention. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ruled that Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident, had raised a "substantial" First Amendment (free speech) retaliation claim, which could render his detention unlawful. The judge, appointed by President Donald Trump, noted that Sarsour has lived in the U.S. for over three decades and that the mosque alleged he was being targeted for his advocacy for Palestinian rights.
Sarsour was detained in March. His legal team stated he lost more than 30 pounds in detention and has type 2 diabetes. The Department of Homeland Security argued that there is no First Amendment right to fund terror organizations and lie on immigration forms, asserting Sarsour was convicted as a teenager in an Israeli military court for throwing Molotov cocktails. However, Judge Hanlon ordered Sarsour's release, allowing him to return to his Milwaukee home while his immigration case continues.
Sarsour expressed relief and vowed to continue speaking for Palestine and humanity. The ruling comes amid a broader crackdown by the Trump administration on pro-Palestinian voices, which has faced judicial challenges.