The president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, Salah Sarsour, was detained by federal immigration agents, prompting accusations from local officials and religious leaders that his arrest was politically motivated due to his criticism of Israel.
Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident of the U.S., was taken into custody by nearly a dozen ICE agents who surrounded his car in Milwaukee after he left his home on Monday, confirmed the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
Supporters are calling for his immediate release. His attorneys argue that he was detained as a supposed foreign policy threat, a claim they vehemently deny as baseless.
Lawyers representing Sarsour believe he was targeted for his criticism of Israel and his conviction by Israeli military courts as a minor. These courts have faced scrutiny for their high conviction rates and limited due process, allegations that Israel continues to reject. Attorney Munjed Ahmad stated, “Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government,” highlighting concerns that Sarsour's arrest seeks to stifle Palestinian discourse.
Born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Sarsour has lived in the U.S. for over 30 years without a criminal record. His attorneys note that the government has been aware of Sarsour's past conviction since he immigrated in 1993.
A message left for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security was not immediately returned.
His case is being compared to that of Mahmoud Khalil, another activist facing deportation on similar charges of being a foreign policy threat. Sarsour has led the Islamic Society of Milwaukee for five years and has a green card, living just outside Milwaukee with his wife and four adult children who are U.S. citizens.
Supporters rallied at a news conference urging for Sarsour’s release, recounting his advocacy work and personal experiences with alleged inhumane treatment during his childhood detention in Israel.
Othman Atta, one of Sarsour’s attorneys, stated, “He was targeted because of one thing—because he dared to stand up to the Israeli army.” A diverse coalition of religious leaders present voiced their support, calling Sarsour a crucial community member.
The arrest has triggered criticism from local elected officials, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who labeled it “an outrage.” He emphasized, “There is no substantive evidence he has done anything wrong,” condemning the actions of immigration authorities.
Sarsour is currently being held at a county jail in Indiana as his attorneys file a petition for his release. Ahmad stated, “He is ready to fight tooth and nail to ensure that he’s not dragged through the mud,” expressing Sarsour's desire to remain in the U.S.
