A U.S. federal judge on June 5 ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sarsour, 53, a lawful permanent resident, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 31 and transferred to a detention center in Indiana.
In his ruling, Judge James Patrick Hanlon said Sarsour presented “substantial evidence” that his arrest was retaliation for pro-Palestinian statements protected by the First Amendment. This, the judge wrote, could make his detention unlawful. Hanlon rejected the Trump administration’s argument that supporting Palestine runs counter to U.S. foreign policy interests.
“Invocation of foreign policy concerns does not automatically override rights under the First Amendment,” wrote Hanlon, who was appointed by President Trump in 2018.
Hours after the ruling, Sarsour was freed. He said he lost about 13.6 kg (30 lbs) during nearly 80 days in custody due to his Type 2 diabetes. “I am relieved to be back with my family. For 80 days, I could not step outside or breathe fresh air,” Sarsour said. “This experience reminds us all that we must fight for the right to speak for the silenced. I will never stop speaking for Palestine and for humanity, wherever I am.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) previously called Sarsour a “criminal and terrorist,” accusing him of lying on his green card application by failing to disclose a prior conviction in an Israeli military court for throwing stones and firebombs at Israeli forces. Sarsour, who grew up in the West Bank, denies the charges. Human rights groups say such charges are often leveled at Palestinians and that Israel’s military court system convicts in nearly 100% of cases, sometimes based on confessions obtained through torture.
In his ruling, Judge Hanlon also questioned why the Trump administration suddenly considered Sarsour a threat after more than 30 years living in the U.S. He ordered Sarsour returned to Wisconsin to remain home while the case proceeds.
Since the start of his second term, President Trump has intensified mass deportations and crackdowns on pro-Palestinian voices, labeling them antisemitic. The Trump administration relies on a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act allowing the Secretary of State to “exclude” foreign nationals who could cause “serious foreign policy consequences.” Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist at Columbia University, was also arrested under this provision in March 2025, released in June, but still faces deportation. On social media on June 5, Khalil welcomed Sarsour’s release, calling it a victory for free speech.
