The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today thanked U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen for joining Senators Tammy Baldwin and Bernie Sanders in calling for the immediate release of Salah Sarsour, a lawful permanent resident, longtime Milwaukee community leader, business owner, husband, father, grandfather, and president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
In a letter to the Department of Homeland Security, the senators expressed deep concern over Mr. Sarsour’s unjustifiable detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and raised serious questions about whether he was targeted in retaliation for his advocacy on Palestinian human rights.
The senators also cited troubling concerns about Mr. Sarsour’s detention conditions, including reports that he has not received proper care for diabetes and has not been provided reasonable religious accommodations, including access to a prayer mat.
In a statement, CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
“We thank Senator Chris Van Hollen for using his voice and office to defend the constitutional rights and human dignity of Salah Sarsour. Our community leaders should not be targeted, detained, or punished for speaking out against injustice. Retaliation against political speech is not only morally wrong, it strikes at the heart of our Constitution. Mr. Sarsour should be released immediately, provided appropriate medical care and religious accommodations, and reunited with his family and community.”
The senators’ letter requests documents and communications related to Mr. Sarsour’s apprehension and detention, clarity on whether ICE is following medical protocols, and demands answers regarding religious accommodations.
CAIR Maryland said Mr. Sarsour’s case reflects a deeply troubling pattern of federal authorities targeting Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, and pro-Palestine advocates for protected political speech.
“Speaking out for Palestinian human rights is not a crime,” said Chaudry. “The government must not use immigration enforcement as a weapon to silence dissent.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com