Detention of Mosque Leader Raises Concerns Over Immigration Practices
The president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque was detained by federal immigration officials on Thursday, sparking outcry from local officials and religious leaders who suggest the arrest may have been influenced by his criticism of Israel.
Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born lawful permanent resident, was apprehended by over a dozen U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents shortly after he left his home in Milwaukee on Monday, as reported by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
On Thursday, supporters called for his immediate release. Sarsour’s legal team contends that federal agents detained him due to claims of being a foreign policy threat, a statement they argue lacks credibility.
His attorneys believe that Sarsour, 53, was specifically targeted by an Israeli military tribunal, citing his outspoken views against Israeli policies and a past conviction as a minor. The tribunal has drawn criticism for alleged violations of due process for Palestinians and a notably high conviction rate—claims which Israel has rejected. Attorney Munjed Ahmad mentioned that Sarsour’s prior offenses included throwing stones at Israeli officers.
Ahmad emphasized, “Our government should not follow the orders of a foreign government,” referring to Israel. He warned, “There is no question in my mind that this is aimed at suppressing discourse about the Palestinian experience.”
Born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Sarsour has resided in the United States for over three decades and has no criminal record here, as his attorneys have stated. They also noted that authorities have been aware of his Israeli conviction dating back to his arrival in the U.S. in 1993.
Lauren Biss, the Acting Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, announced on Thursday that Sarsour was convicted of throwing a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli military officer’s home and attempting to illegally possess weapons. Following this conviction, Sarsour’s initial visa application was denied. Ultimately, he entered the U.S. as a conditional resident in 1993 and obtained his green card in 1998.
Biss also claimed that Sarsour provided inaccurate information when applying for his green card, although no specific details were provided. His attorneys compare his situation to that of Mahmoud Khalil, another activist facing deportation on similar foreign policy grounds.
For the past five years, Sarsour has served as president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, which is the largest Islamic organization in the state. His legal team confirms that he holds a green card and resides in the suburbs of Milwaukee, where his wife and four adult children are U.S. citizens.
At a press conference, supporters rallied for Sarsour’s release, highlighting his advocacy for marginalized individuals. Many shared poignant stories about Sarsour’s childhood, including claims of mistreatment during his time in Israeli custody. “He was targeted for a reason: because he dared to stand up to the Israeli army,” asserted Osman Ata, one of Sarsour’s lawyers. “And he was not an American citizen.”
The diverse assembly of religious leaders present lauded Sarsour as a vital member of the community. Rev. Paul D. Erickson, bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, pointed to Sarsour’s case as another instance of government action aimed at silencing dissenters.
Sarsour’s detention has been met with frustration from local political figures, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who labeled it “an outrage.” Johnson stated, “He is a lawful permanent resident. There is no substantial evidence that he did anything wrong,” emphasizing that this represents overreach by U.S. immigration authorities.
Currently, Sarsour is being held in an Indiana county jail, while his lawyer has initiated a petition seeking his release. “He is determined to fight hard to stay in this country,” Ahmad noted, emphasizing Sarsour’s commitment to his community.
