A federal judge orders U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release Salah Sarsour, the president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, from detention while his immigration case continues. Multiple reports say Sarsour has been held since his detention by ICE in March. The ruling comes after the judge finds Sarsour has raised a “substantial” First Amendment free speech claim that could affect whether his detention is lawful.
According to the outlets covering the decision, U.S. District Court Judge James Patrick Hanlon determines that officials likely acted in retaliation for Sarsour’s public advocacy, which includes advocacy for Palestinian rights. The judge concludes that this alleged retaliation suppressed constitutional protections and therefore warrants release. Reuters and other reports state that the court order emphasizes the potential First Amendment issue as the basis for the decision.
Some coverage also notes that the case has attracted political attention, including attempts by Trump administration officials to portray Sarsour as linked to national security concerns. The judge’s order focuses on the constitutional retaliation claim as the reason for releasing him during ongoing proceedings.
