In a dramatic development raising concerns about civil liberties and religious rights, Salah Sarsour, a key figure in Wisconsin’s Islamic community, has reportedly lost 30 pounds during his detention, according to his legal team. This case has drawn significant attention due to allegations of his targeting for pro-Palestinian advocacy.
The federal case against Sarsour, a legal permanent resident and president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, is centered on accusations from the Department of Homeland Security. They claim he falsified information on his immigration documents when he immigrated from Ramallah about 30 years ago. Sarsour was taken into custody on March 30 and is currently detained at the Clay County Jail in Indiana.
Sarsour’s lawyers have filed motions to secure his release, arguing that his detention is unlawful and detrimental to his health. They claim that his religious practices and medical needs are not being adequately addressed in custody. In a court letter dated May 29, the defense highlighted that Sarsour, who has diabetes, lacks regular medical checks and medication, and that his ability to perform religious prayers has been hindered.
“The continued detention of Mr. Sarsour—and his separation from his community and family—appears purely punitive; it continues to chill the speech of Mr. Sarsour and others seeking to speak out about Palestinian human rights,” the letter stated.
The Department of Justice contested these allegations, labeling them as “unfounded.” Their response emphasized that Sarsour’s detention is lawful, and his claims do not justify his release.
During a court session presided over by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, discussions were held regarding the conditions of Sarsour’s detention. His legal team argues that he has not been given suitable meals aligned with his religious beliefs, citing an incident where he was offered barbecue pork rinds—a food many Muslims avoid.
“Those are simply not adequate accommodations,” stated Luna Droubi, one of Sarsour’s attorneys, highlighting his weight loss under such conditions.
Government attorneys countered these claims, asserting that Sarsour receives daily diabetes medication and a suitable diet, and that his religious practices are accommodated within standard security protocols. They also noted that he has access to an Arabic-language Quran provided by supporters.
Sarsour’s Legal and Immigration Challenges
Sarsour’s arrest followed a departure from his Franklin home on March 30. DHS labeled him a “terrorist” in a statement, alleging involvement in violent acts against Israeli soldiers, which Sarsour’s supporters argue were convictions from his youth in the West Bank and are disputed.
Sarsour’s legal team filed a writ of habeas corpus, claiming his detention is a result of his First Amendment-protected rights and advocacy for Palestinian rights.
“It is definitely part of a pattern by this government of pursuing immigration cases against people whose advocacy, whose beliefs, whose activism this government doesn’t like,” commented Samuel Cole from the ACLU of Illinois, which supports Sarsour’s case.
Cole also argues for Sarsour’s immediate release based on his treatment in jail, suggesting extraordinary circumstances justify his release before a habeas decision is made.
In late April, Sarsour’s lawyers sought his release on bail, citing the harsh nature of his detention and health concerns. They criticized the suddenness of his arrest, which removed him from his family and community.
The government maintains that Sarsour’s deportation is justified, as stated in their opposition to his bail motion, for reasons “unrelated to his speech.” Sarsour’s immigration proceedings are ongoing, with a hearing scheduled for June 24.
