Salah Sarsour, the president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, has been detained by federal immigration agents, raising serious concerns among local officials and community leaders. Many believe that his arrest is linked to his outspoken criticism of Israel.
Sarsour, a 53-year-old legal permanent resident originally from Palestine, was taken into custody on Monday in Milwaukee. He was surrounded by nearly a dozen agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as he left his home, according to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
Supporters have called for his immediate release, arguing that his detention stems from unfounded claims that he poses a foreign policy threat. His attorneys assert that there is no basis for such allegations.
Sarsour’s supporters believe he was specifically targeted for his vocal opposition to Israeli policies and for a minor conviction he received in Israeli military courts during his youth. These courts have faced criticism for their treatment of Palestinians and high conviction rates. According to his attorney, Munjed Ahmad, Sarsour was convicted for allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli officers.
“Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government,” Ahmad stated. “This is an attempt to silence those who discuss the Palestinian narrative.”
Sarsour, who has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, has no criminal record here. His attorneys argue that U.S. immigration officials were aware of his previous conviction when he immigrated in 1993.
Sarsour’s case bears similarities to that of Mahmoud Khalil, a former student activist at Columbia University facing deportation for being labeled a foreign policy threat.
As president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee for the last five years, Sarsour is recognized as a vital community leader. He holds a green card and resides near Milwaukee, where his wife and four adult children are U.S. citizens.
At a recent press conference, supporters passionately called for his release, sharing stories of his advocacy work and his experiences of alleged mistreatment while detained by Israeli authorities.
Othman Atta, another of Sarsour’s attorneys, emphasized that Sarsour had been singled out for opposing the Israeli military. “He was targeted because he dared to stand up to the Israeli army,” Atta said.
A diverse group of religious leaders attended the conference, expressing their support for Sarsour and highlighting his contributions to the community.
“This is just the latest example of how this administration seeks to silence opposition,” said Rev. Paul D. Erickson, bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson also condemned the arrest, labeling it an “outrage.” He noted that Sarsour is a legal permanent resident and that there is no solid evidence against him. “This is another example of overreach from U.S. immigration authorities,” Johnson stated.
Currently, Sarsour is being held in a county jail in Indiana. His attorneys have filed a petition for his release, asserting that he is determined to fight for his rights in the U.S.
“He is ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure that he’s not dragged through the mud,” Ahmad declared. “He wants to stay in this country.”
