Head of Wisconsin’s largest mosque released from U.S. ICE custody

Islamic Society of Milwaukee President Salah Sarsour, ​a Palestinian American detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March, was released from detention on Thursday after an order by a federal judge. 

A U.S. District Court has ruled that Mr. Sarsour may have a “substantial” First Amendment retaliation claim, which could render his detention unlawful, according to Judge James Patrick Hanlon.

The judge, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, ordered that Sarsour remain in Wisconsin while the case proceeds.

ISM, Wisconsin’s largest mosque, says Sarsour, 53, is a legal permanent resident who has lived in the U.S. for more than three decades and grew up in the West Bank. He has no criminal record in the United States, though he was convicted as a teenager in an Israeli military court before arriving in the U.S.

Following his release, Sarsour said: “I will never stop speaking for Palestine and humanity, wherever I am. I am so relieved to be with my family.” His legal team also said he has type 2 diabetes and lost more than 30 pounds while in detention.

DHS allegations and response

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which includes ICE, cited his past Israeli military court conviction, alleging he was found guilty of throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli armed forces’ homes and accusing him of misrepresenting information in immigration documents.

Sarsour denies all allegations and any links to extremist activity. DHS also stated: “There is no First Amendment right to fund terror organizations and lie on immigration forms,” adding that claims of discrimination were “false.”

Legal status and ongoing case

The court ordered Sarsour to remain in Wisconsin while proceedings continue, and his case is still ongoing. He is required to attend all hearings and comply with deportation proceedings as part of his release conditions.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) welcomed the ruling, while DHS said it disagrees with the decision and insists deportation proceedings will continue.

Read more: 

• Palestine activists sentenced for Israeli arms factory raid by UK court
• UK court upholds terrorism ban on Palestine Action

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U.S. immigration ICE detention civil rights rule West Bank Politics