Wisconsin’s largest mosque witnessed an emotional gathering on Friday as supporters welcomed Salah Sarsour back to Milwaukee, a day after his release from federal detention. Sarsour, who was held for over two months, expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received during his time in custody.
During his stay at a detention facility in Indiana, Sarsour was inundated with hundreds of letters from supporters. A guard once asked for his help to carry a particularly heavy box filled with mail intended for him. “It means a lot to someone who going through unjust situation,” Sarsour remarked upon his release.
Surrounded by his family, Sarsour addressed the crowd at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, saying, “Finally, I am back, and I’m here with my grandchildren, with my family, with my dear community — with people of freedom, people of justice, people of faith, who stood with my cause and my case. Thank you very much, everyone. This means the world to me.”
Sarsour’s arrest on March 30 by immigration officials led to his detention at Clay County Jail. This week, U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ordered his release on personal recognizance.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Sarsour allegedly lied on his immigration forms to secure a green card. However, his legal team and supporters argue that his detention was due to his advocacy for Palestinian rights, a claim they continue to contest.
Having immigrated from Ramallah over 30 years ago, Sarsour is a father of six and a grandfather of nine. He also serves on the board of American Muslims for Palestine. At a press conference, he affirmed his commitment to serving the community.
Othman Atta, the Islamic Society of Milwaukee’s executive director, described Sarsour’s return as a significant moment for the community. “It’s a great day for all of these beautiful people here, the Sarsour family,” Atta noted. “It’s a beautiful day for our dear, beloved brother Salah.”
While detained, concerns for Sarsour’s health mounted. His attorney, Munjed Ahmad, revealed that Sarsour lost more than 30 pounds during his 80-day detention. Legal proceedings continue, with a writ of habeas corpus filed by his lawyers, as his immigration case proceeds in court.
In response to Sarsour’s release, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security dismissed claims that he was targeted for his activism, insisting, “There is no First Amendment right to fund terror organizations and lie on immigration forms.” They further labeled Sarsour as a “terrorist” and an “illegal alien.”
Sarsour’s legal team, including attorney Luna Droubi, has strongly refuted these accusations, describing them as outdated and false. “These are 30-year-old stale allegations that they’re drudging up now. They know they’re false,” Droubi stated. She further asserted that Sarsour was targeted for his “lawful speech,” a point they intend to fight in court.
