Story perspectives

Judge frees Sarsour, says detention retaliated against speech

6/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Judge James Hanlon ordered Salah Sarsour’s release, finding his detention was retaliation for protected speech.
Sarsour, a diabetic who lost 30 pounds and received glucose checks, was held for 80 days before leaving custody on June 18.
The release order, which cited Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials’ note of his 1989 and 1995 Israeli military convictions and immigration statements, mandated staying in Wisconsin, attending hearings, and appearing in court on June 24.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the Supreme Court issued a six-to-three decision in New York Times Co. v. United States, rejecting Nixon’s attempt to block the Pentagon Papers and affirming that prior restraint violates the First Amendment. The June 2024 order by Judge James Hanlon releasing Salah Sarsour echoes that precedent, reminding courts that executive actions must be justified and cannot punish protected speech.

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Story summary

Judge James Hanlon ordered Salah Sarsour’s release, finding his detention was retaliation for protected speech.
Sarsour, a diabetic who lost 30 pounds and received glucose checks, was held for 80 days before leaving custody on June 18.
The release order, which cited Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials’ note of his 1989 and 1995 Israeli military convictions and immigration statements, mandated staying in Wisconsin, attending hearings, and appearing in court on June 24.

1 / 2