Salah Sarsour details his ICE detention, his attorneys address US government's allegations

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee Islamic leader who was detained for 80 days spoke about the conditions he experienced while in federal custody.

And his attorneys spoke about the government's allegations against him.

There was more gratitude from Salah Sarsour after it was ordered he be released.

But looming over the happy homecoming are pending court cases and serious allegations of terrorism.

Sarsour told supporters Friday, June 19, "This means the world to me. I have a new life."

Sarsour woke up Friday in his own bed for the first time in nearly three months.

After attending Friday prayer at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, where he serves as president, he and his attorneys shared what he experienced during the 80 days spent in an Indiana detention facility.

Sarsour said, "After eleven Fridays, I was not allowed to pray."

Sarsour lost 35 pounds while in custody.

His attorneys claim he was unable to test his blood sugar as a diabetic and was not given all the medications he needed.

Sarsour's family spoke about the toll it's taken on them.

One of his sons, Kareem Sarsour, said, "As the nightmare continues, waking up every single day not knowing how your dad is, what's going on, if he's ok."

A short time later, a different son passed out at the news conference. He was ok and walked off a few moments later.

Sarsour's attorney, Munjed Ahmad, told the audience, "You can see the toll this is taking on his family." He added, "They haven’t slept, they haven't ate, they haven't drank properly. and this is the result of what happens when your father is gone for 81 days."

But they also spoke about Sarsour’s resolve and the community’s support.

Sarsour was joined at the news conference by members of other faiths, like Jodi Melamed of the group Jews for Salah. She said, "Salah Sarsour is my people, we are all connected."

And other ethnic communities participated.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz, of Voces de la Frontera, said, "It’s an honor to be in the struggle with all of you and celebrate this moment."

Members of Sarsour's legal team spoke.

We asked specifically about the US government's allegations that Sarsour is a "terrorist."

Sarsour’s lead attorney, Luna Droubi, said, "These are 30 year old, stale allegations that they're drudging up now. They know they're false." She added, "The real reality here is Salah Sarsour was targeted for his lawful speech."

Sarsour has meetings planned for Monday as he tries to get back to normal.

But then Wednesday he has a hearing scheduled for his immigration case.