Federal Judge Orders Release of Wisconsin Mosque Leader Over Free Speech Claims

A federal judge ordered the release of the Palestinian president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on March 30. The judge ruled that the individual raised a substantial free speech claim, asserting he was targeted for his support of Palestinian rights. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon stated that ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not provide sufficient evidence to counter the allegations of retaliation for free speech. The judge noted that the government failed to justify why the individual was considered a threat after over three decades of legal residency in the U.S. Following the ruling, the individual was released from custody and allowed to return to Milwaukee. He expressed relief at being reunited with his family after 80 days in detention. His legal team emphasized that the case highlights the potential risks to free speech rights for all individuals. DHS characterized the individual as a terrorist based on past convictions in Israeli military courts, which he denies. The judge acknowledged the individual's health concerns and community ties in his decision to grant release.