(Washington, D.C., 6/18/2026) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), the nation’s largest umbrella organization for American Muslim institutions, welcomes the court-ordered release of Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian American Muslim community leader from Milwaukee, a longtime lawful resident of the United States, and board member of American Muslims for Palestine.
Sarsour, who has lived in the United States for more than three decades, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more than 80 days amid what advocates have described as a politically motivated attack on Palestinian human rights advocacy and free speech. A federal judge in Indiana ordered his immediate release, finding that Sarsour had raised a substantial First Amendment retaliation claim and recognizing that speech in support of Palestinian rights is protected under the Constitution.
USCMO welcomes this decision as an important victory for Salah Sarsour, his family, the Milwaukee Muslim community, and all Americans who believe that no one should be punished, detained, or silenced for speaking out against injustice.
In a statement, USCMO Secretary General Oussama Jammal said:
“We thank God that Salah Sarsour will finally be reunited with his family and community after enduring an unjust and harmful detention. This case should alarm every American. When a lawful resident, father, grandfather, mosque leader, and community servant can be targeted for his advocacy on behalf of Palestinian rights, the free speech rights of all people are at risk.
“Salah’s release is not only a victory for him and his family, but also another reminder that political smear campaigns against American Muslim leaders and organizations collapse when tested by the truth and the law. These attacks have never been rooted in legitimate legal concerns. They are designed to terrorize our community, silence Muslim civic engagement, and criminalize principled advocacy for justice.
“For years, American Muslim organizations and leaders have been subjected to baseless accusations, selective targeting, and coordinated campaigns meant to isolate and discredit those who speak out for Palestine, civil rights, and human dignity. Yet time and again, our community has been vindicated. Advocacy for Palestinian human rights is not a crime. Muslim civic engagement is not a threat. Political disagreement is not a legal basis for detention, intimidation, or repression.
“No person in government custody should be denied basic medical care, religious dignity, or due process. We call on the federal government to end the targeting of Palestinian, Arab, Muslim, and immigrant advocates and to ensure that all people in detention are treated with humanity, respect, and full constitutional protections.”
During his detention, Sarsour reportedly lost more than 30 pounds while managing Type 2 diabetes and was not provided consistent access to necessary medical care, including regular blood glucose monitoring. Advocates also raised concerns that he was denied access to religious materials and adequate accommodations for prayer.
USCMO calls on elected officials, civil rights organizations, faith leaders, and all people of conscience to continue defending those being targeted for speaking out for Palestinian human rights. The court’s decision is a necessary step forward, but the broader campaign of intimidation against Palestinian voices must end.
Salah Sarsour is a small business owner, father of six, grandfather of nine, caretaker for his elderly mother, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, and a longtime community leader. His release is not only a moment of relief for his loved ones, but a reminder that constitutional rights must apply to all people, especially those whose views the government may oppose.
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