Milwaukee, WI — Thursday, June 18, 2026 — A U.S. District Court Judge in Indiana today ordered the immediate release of Salah Sarsour, 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, 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.

In response to the judge’s decision, the Sarsour legal team issued the following statement:

We are ecstatic for Salah Sarsour and his family that they will soon be reunited.

 In issuing this order, the federal judge made clear that the government cannot detain a lawful permanent resident for speaking out about Palestinian human rights.  Salah Sarsour, who has lived in this country for more than three decades and served as a core pillar in his community without any issues, should never have been detained in the first place. 

While we continue to fight these baseless claims in court, today is about celebrating a family being reunited. It is also a sober reminder that, if the government can target Mr. Sarsour, everyone’s free speech rights are at risk

“We’re getting our dad back!” Salah’s son, Kareem Sarsour, said. “This experience has been a nightmare to wake up to every day, with his health at risk in a cruel basement cell simply for speaking up for Palestine. But we know who my dad is, he’s a voice for the voiceless and the heart of our family and our community. I can’t wait to hug him, and I hope everyone like him will be released.”

For more information on the case and continued advocacy, see here: freesalah.info/about

About Salah: 

Salah Sarsour is a successful small business owner, community leader, father of six, grandfather of nine, and caretaker for his elderly mother. Salah Sarsour was arrested on March 30, 2026, because of his advocacy for Palestinian rights; he is one of many Palestinian Americans permanent residents who have been targeted by the Trump Administration for speaking out against the genocide of the Palestinian people. He is an active member of his community, serving as the elected volunteer President of the largest mosque in Wisconsin, the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, and on the board of American Muslims for Palestine, an educational organization focused on Palestinian human rights. On March 30th, he was surrounded by over 10 ICE vehicles and taken out of state to an ICE facility in Indiana. 

CONTACT: media@freesalah.org 

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Also see our media kit with photos for use.

Salah Sarsour is represented by the ACLU of Illinois and Beldock Levine & Hoffman. His larger legal team includes the Muslim Legal Fund of America as co-counsel.