Democrats Push for Closure of Delaney Hall ICE Detention Center

Democrats from the House Homeland Security Committee recently held an unofficial field hearing in Newark, New Jersey, to look into ICE detention facilities following a series of riots. Congressional correspondent Bill Melgin reports that, faced with difficulties convening formal hearings, Democrats are now conducting their own “shadow hearings,” led by Rep. Bennie Thompson. In contrast, Chad Wolf, the former acting Secretary of Homeland Security, noted that Delaney Hall functioned under the Obama administration without similar objections from Democrats.

A federal judge has mandated the release of Salah Sarsour, the Palestinian president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, from custody, stating he made a significant free speech claim regarding his detention based on his pro-Palestinian advocacy. Sarsour, a legal permanent resident, was taken into custody on March 30 when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents accused him of posing a threat to foreign relations.

However, Sarsour’s legal team contends that his detention is directly linked to his outspoken criticisms of Israel. Judge James Patrick Hanlon, nominated by President Trump, remarked that ICE and the Department of Homeland Security failed to provide adequate evidence to counter Sarsour’s claims of retaliatory actions against his free speech, and questioned why he was deemed a threat after living in the U.S. for over three decades.

“Simply raising foreign relations concerns does not automatically override First Amendment rights,” Hanlon wrote. A ruling from the judge ordered Sarsour’s release from an Indiana County Jail, allowing him to return to Milwaukee while his immigration case is ongoing. He expressed his relief upon release, stating, “For 80 days, I couldn’t step outside and get some fresh air. This experience reminds us that we must fight for the right to be a voice for the silenced. I will never cease to advocate for both Palestine and humanity, no matter where I am.”

Sarsour, who has type 2 diabetes, faced significant health risks in custody, including substantial weight loss and inadequate monitoring of his blood sugar levels. His legal team claimed he should never have been detained in the first place, mentioning the ruling as a stark reminder of the dangers to free speech if the government is allowed to target individuals.

The Department of Homeland Security disputed Sarsour’s claims, labeling him a “convicted terrorist” and denying any discrimination by ICE agents. They referenced issues stemming from his 1989 conviction in Israel’s Ramallah military court for throwing petrol bombs, as well as a subsequent conviction in 1995 for attempting to possess arms. Sarsour denies these allegations, and his record shows he has no criminal history in the U.S.

Judge Hanlon indicated that the federal government has been aware of the charges against Sarsour for 25 years and has considered these concerns multiple times in reviewing his naturalization status, but only detainment occurred this year.

While federal prosecutors argue Sarsour does not have the same First Amendment protections as U.S. citizens, Hanlon disagreed. He highlighted that those who enter the country legally possess the same constitutional rights as all residents. Additionally, the judge took into account Sarsour’s community ties and health issues when deciding on his release. Sarsour has a family that includes a spouse, six children, and nine grandchildren, all of whom are U.S. citizens.

Sarsour’s son, Kareem, expressed immense joy at his father’s release, describing the ordeal as a waking nightmare that endangered his father’s health for merely speaking out for Palestine. He looks forward to reuniting with him, underscoring Sarsour’s role as a voice for marginalized communities.