Muslim Civic Coalition Calls for Immediate Release of Salah Sarsour and the Protection of Immigrant Rights
Chicago, IL — May 9, 2026 — The Muslim Civic Coalition joined community leaders, American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), CAIR-Chicago, Salah Sarsour’s family, and allies at the Chicago City Council Committee on Health & Human Relations to support Resolution R2026-0024891, which calls on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE to immediately release Salah Sarsour and protect immigrant rights from further abuses of power.
Salah Sarsour, a longtime lawful permanent resident, father, grandfather, and respected community leader, has served for over three decades as President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest mosque. On March 30, 2026, he was arrested by more than ten ICE agents while driving in Milwaukee and transferred first to Chicago and then to a detention facility in Indiana. Advocates maintain that the charges are a pretext for political retaliation against his lawful advocacy for Palestinian rights and free speech.
Amina Barhumi, Executive Director of the Muslim Civic Coalition, stated:
“The abduction of Salah Sarsour by ICE is a blatant attempt to silence a dedicated community leader and Palestinian voice. After more than three decades of lawful residence and service to his community, he should not be punished for exercising his First Amendment rights. We demand his immediate release and strongly urge the Chicago City Council to pass this resolution without delay.”
The resolution was introduced by Aldermen Byron Sigcho-Lopez, Anthony Quezada, and Alderwoman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez.
During public comment, Esparza-Kelley is a Communications Coordinator at CAIR-Chicago emphasized:
“Today we are here to advocate for Salah Sarsour, a man who has diligently served his community for over 25 years, kidnapped from his family and community for fictitious reasons.”
The committee will reconvene on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 12:30 PM in Room 201A to continue discussion on the resolution. A full City Council vote is expected later this month.
Watch the full hearing here.
We urge the Chicago City Council to pass Resolution R2026-0024891 without delay and stand firmly for the immediate release of Salah Sarsour and the protection of immigrant rights.
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The Muslim Civic Coalition remains committed to defending due process, free speech, and the rights of all communities under threat.