A U.S. District Court Judge in Indiana ordered the immediate release of Salah Sarsour on June 19, a Palestinian and Muslim community leader from Milwaukee, held for more than 80 days in immigration custody as part of the Trump Administration’s attack on free speech.
A legal resident of the United States for more than three decades, Mr. Sarsour has been an outspoken advocate for Palestinian human rights, like others who have been singled out and targeted for engaging in speech the Trump Administration opposes.
While in custody, Sarsour, who has Type-2 diabetes, lost more than 30 pounds and was not provided necessary health care—including daily monitoring of his blood glucose levels. He was also denied access to religious materials and adequate space for prayer.
In ordering his immediate release on his own recognizance, U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon explained in a 29-page order that “Mr. Sarsour has raised a ‘substantial’ First Amendment retaliation claim, which could render his detention unlawful” and that “Mr. Sarsour’s speech in support of Palestinian rights is protected by the First Amendment.”
The court also noted his “decades of living a law-abiding life in the United States” and that the government previously reviewed Sarsour’s record and approved him for lawful residence. The court also took into account Sarsour’s health concerns in detention.