A Muslim leader's 80-day ICE detention brought back harrowing memories of time spent in Israeli military prisons in Palestine. Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, was held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for over two months before a federal judge ordered his release. He described the treatment as “dehumanizing” and a clear attempt to intimidate those advocating for Palestinian rights.
The Story Behind the Detention
Sarsour, a U.S. permanent resident since the 1990s, was arrested in March while visiting his elderly mother. He says armed agents in unmarked vehicles surrounded him without warning. During his time in custody, he lost more than 30 pounds and felt the same humiliation he endured decades earlier in the West Bank.
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Why Was He Targeted?
The Trump administration is seeking his deportation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio signing a memo labeling Sarsour as deportable for “undermining U.S. foreign policy to combat antisemitism.” However, a federal judge found that his detention likely was retaliation for his advocacy for Palestinian rights, making it unlawful.
Comparison Table: ICE Detention vs. Palestinian Prison
| Aspect | ICE Detention (2025) | Israeli Military Prison (1980s) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 80+ days | Several months |
| Weight Loss | 30+ pounds | Similar |
| Guard Treatment | Humiliation, verbal abuse | Physical and psychological |
| Legal Outcome | Released by judge | Convicted by military court |
Key Takeaways
- ICE detention can be used as a political tool against activists.
- Detainees often suffer severe weight loss and mental trauma.
- Community leaders like Sarsour face retaliation for exercising free speech.
- The case highlights ongoing tensions between U.S. immigration policy and human rights.
- A federal judge ruled the detention likely unlawful, but deportation efforts continue.
FAQ
How long was Salah Sarsour in ICE detention?
He was detained for more than 80 days, from March until his release in June 2025.
Why does the Trump administration want to deport him?
The administration claims his advocacy for Palestinian rights undermines U.S. foreign policy against antisemitism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally signed a memo declaring him deportable.
What did the federal judge decide?
The judge found that Sarsour was likely detained in retaliation for his political speech, rendering the detention unlawful, and ordered his release.
How does this relate to Palestinian prison experiences?
Sarsour said the humiliation, guard treatment, and psychological tactics mirrored his time in Israeli military prisons in the West Bank nearly 40 years ago.
Sarsour remains a free man for now, but the threat of deportation looms. His case has drawn attention to the use of immigration detention as a weapon against political activism. For many, it raises urgent questions about justice, free speech, and the treatment of detainees in U.S. custody.
Stay informed about this developing story and other pressing issues. Follow GrandGoldman for in-depth coverage of immigration, human rights, and community leaders fighting for change.
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