MILWAUKEE — Attorneys for the president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque urged a federal judge on Monday to release him from immigration detention, saying he has been denied adequate care for Type 2 diabetes and has lost about 30 pounds (14 kilograms) since his arrest two months ago.
Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in April. He is being held in an Indiana county jail while his immigration case proceeds.
Sarsour’s lawyers told U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon that his blood sugar levels are not being consistently monitored, putting him at risk of organ failure or death if left untreated. They also reported that he has developed severe abdominal pain and was told by jail officials to purchase his own medication.
“We had the opportunity to make a direct, urgent appeal to the court about the need for Salah’s release, including being able to report that he has lost a staggering 30 pounds while in detention,” Luna Droubi, one of Sarsour’s attorneys, said in a press release. “The Judge raised questions about the medical care Salah is receiving, and we will continue to press this case.”
Sarsour has no criminal record in the U.S. His attorneys say he is being detained on claims that he poses a foreign policy threat, which they describe as baseless and linked to his public criticism of Israel and a conviction as a minor by Israeli military courts.
ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to reports. Court documents related to the government’s response appear to be sealed.
Sarsour leads the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. His family and advocates have raised concerns about additional conditions in detention, including alleged interruptions to his prayers and denial of access to a Quran, as well as being offered food that conflicts with his religious dietary restrictions.
The case comes amid broader scrutiny of medical care in immigration detention facilities. An investigation by KFF Health News and The Associated Press found that hundreds of detainees in at least 33 states have filed lawsuits alleging medical neglect, including for conditions such as diabetes.
Sarsour’s son, Kareem Sarsour, said in a statement: “Just over two months ago, my dad would have been starting his day as usual by checking in on my grandmother and heading to work. We’re not only fighting now for my dad’s legal right to be here, but also for his health — and basic due process.”
Attorneys have asked the judge to release Sarsour while his immigration proceedings continue. No immediate decision on the release request was reported. Details of the government’s position on his medical care remain unclear as of Tuesday.
