The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a federal judge’s order for the “long-overdue” release of Milwaukee Muslim community leader Salah Sarsour, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March.
Judge James Patrick Hanlon ordered his release on personal recognizance because of “extraordinary circumstances.” The judge said: “The Court…concludes, on the present record, that Mr. Sarsour has raised a ‘substantial’ First Amendment retaliation claim, which could render his detention unlawful.”
Earlier this month, CAIR reiterated its call for his release after reports indicated that his medical needs were being neglected and that his health was deteriorating while in detention.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Today’s court order is a welcome and long-overdue step toward justice for Salah Sarsour, a respected Muslim community leader whose detention has caused immense pain to his family and community. No one should be punished for their faith, advocacy, or identity. We urge ICE to immediately comply with the judge’s order, reunite Mr. Sarsour with his loved ones, and end the disturbing pattern of targeting Muslim, Palestinian, and other community members for detention and intimidation. This case is a reminder that due process, human dignity, and constitutional rights must never be optional.”
He congratulated Munjed Ahmed and Muslim Legal Fund of America for their efforts in the case.
In April,CAIR joinedAmerican Muslims for Palestine (AMP), the Muslim American Society (MAS) and the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), at a press conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to demand Sarsour’s immediate release.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com