June 18, 2026

Federal Judge Orders Release of Salah Sarsour, Wisconsin Mosque President, Citing Free Speech Violations

A federal judge ordered the release of Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, after determining his detention likely violated his First Amendment rights.
Sarsour's detention was found to be potentially retaliatory for his advocacy on Palestinian issues, with the judge criticizing the government's lack of evidence for their claims against him.
Sarsour, who has been a legal resident for over 30 years, was released after 80 days in custody, during which his health deteriorated significantly.