Urgent Appeal for Release: Wisconsin Mosque President Detained in Immigration Custody Without Proper Medical Care
The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., has been detained by immigration officers since April. His attorneys claim he is being denied medical care for his Type 2 diabetes, resulting in a significant weight loss of 30 pounds. Sarsour, who has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, is being held in an Indiana county jail while his immigration case is ongoing. His attorneys have raised concerns about the lack of consistent monitoring of his blood sugar levels, putting him at risk of serious health complications.
Sarsour's legal team has made an urgent appeal to a federal judge for his release, citing his deteriorating health condition in detention. They allege that he has been denied proper medical care and access to necessary medication. Despite developing severe abdominal pain, Sarsour was reportedly told to purchase his own medication and his blood sugar levels are not being regularly checked. Additionally, he has faced challenges in practicing his Muslim faith, with guards denying him access to a Quran and interrupting his prayers.
The attorneys representing Sarsour have highlighted the troubling conditions of his detention in a letter to the U.S. District Judge, seeking his release while his case progresses. They emphasize the urgency of his situation and the need for adequate medical care. Sarsour's son, Kareem Sarsour, expressed concern not only for his father's legal status but also for his health and basic rights to address injustice.
The case of Salah Sarsour is just one of many instances where detainees have alleged medical neglect while in custody. A joint investigation by KFF Health News and The Associated Press revealed numerous lawsuits filed by detainees across 33 states, claiming denial of medication and delayed treatment for various medical conditions. The allegations of medical neglect in detention facilities raise serious concerns about the well-being of individuals in immigration custody.
In light of the troubling circumstances surrounding Salah Sarsour's detention and health condition, his attorneys are advocating for his release and proper medical care. The lack of transparency in court documents and the sealed nature of legal responses from DHS and ICE underscore the challenges faced by detainees in accessing necessary healthcare while in custody. The ongoing legal battle for Sarsour's release highlights the broader issue of medical neglect in immigration detention facilities, calling for greater accountability and protection of detainees' rights.