Federal immigration authorities have detained the leader of Wisconsin’s biggest mosque, triggering claims from community supporters and local officials that his arrest stems from his vocal opposition to Israeli policies.
Salah Sarsour, who leads the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and holds permanent legal residency status, was apprehended Monday when approximately ten ICE officers encircled his vehicle outside his Milwaukee residence, the mosque organization reported.
Community advocates demanded his immediate freedom during a Thursday rally. Legal representatives stated authorities justified his detention by labeling him a foreign policy security risk, an allegation his defense team strongly disputes.
His lawyers contend the 53-year-old Palestinian native faces targeting due to his public statements against Israel and a juvenile conviction from Israeli military tribunals, which critics argue lack proper legal protections and disproportionately convict Palestinians. Israeli officials dispute these characterizations. The charges involved allegedly hurling stones at Israeli security personnel, defense attorney Munjed Ahmad explained.
“Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government,” Ahmad said of Israel. “There’s no question in my mind is that this is to stifle the discourse on the Palestinian narrative.”
Legal counsel emphasized that Sarsour, originally from the Israeli-controlled West Bank territory, maintains a clean criminal history throughout his three-decade American residency. They noted federal authorities have been aware of his Israeli conviction since his 1993 arrival in the United States.
ICE and Department of Homeland Security officials did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Defense attorneys drew parallels between Sarsour’s situation and Mahmoud Khalil’s case, a former Columbia University student activist facing removal proceedings after being designated a foreign policy security concern.
Sarsour has led Wisconsin’s largest Islamic organization as board president for five years. His legal team confirms he possesses a green card and resides in the Milwaukee suburbs. His spouse and four grown children hold American citizenship.
During a packed press briefing, energetic supporters chanted demands for Sarsour’s freedom while sharing stories of his community assistance efforts. Multiple attendees recounted his childhood experiences, including claims of harsh treatment during Israeli detention.
“He was targeted because of one thing, because he dared stand up to the Israeli army,” Othman Atta, one of Sarsour’s attorneys, told the crowd. “And he was not a U.S. citizen.”
Religious leaders from various faiths praised Sarsour as an important community contributor.
“This appears to be just the latest example of how this administration seeks to silence opposition and intimidate those who speak and act differently,” said the Rev. Paul D. Erickson, bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The detention also sparked criticism from political figures, including Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, who described the action as “an outrage.”
“He is a legal permanent resident. There is no substantive evidence he has done anything wrong,” Johnson said Thursday in a post on X. “This is another example of overreach and harm from the U.S. immigration authorities.”
Sarsour remains confined at an Indiana county detention facility. His legal team has submitted paperwork requesting his release.
“He is ready to fight tooth and nail to make sure that he’s not drug through the mud,” Ahmad said. “He wants to stay in this country.”
