Milwaukee, Wisconsin – A federal judge ordered U.S. immigration officials to release Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, after finding he raised a “substantial” First Amendment retaliation claim.
Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years, was detained by ICE on March 30. His attorneys argued that he was targeted because of his public advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel. The federal government has argued that Sarsour poses a foreign policy concern.
U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ordered Sarsour released without cash bail or an ankle monitor while his immigration case continues. The ruling did not end the deportation case, but it found the government had not sufficiently rebutted Sarsour’s claim that his detention may have been tied to protected speech.
Sarsour has no U.S. criminal record. The government has cited past convictions in an Israeli military court, which Sarsour disputes. His lawyers and supporters say the case reflects a broader Trump administration crackdown on pro-Palestinian activists.
Reuters reported that Sarsour was released Thursday and must remain in Wisconsin while proceedings continue.
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