Judge Rules Leader of Wisconsin’s Largest Mosque Can Be Deported on National Security Grounds
An immigration judge has ruled that Salah Sarsour, the leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, can be deported from the United States on the basis of national security concerns.
Sarsour was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Milwaukee in March. Previously, a federal judge ordered his release in June after determining that he had raised a significant claim that he was targeted by the Trump administration for speaking out against Israel and advocating for Palestinian rights.
Although Sarsour described the deportation ruling as "deeply disappointing," he announced plans to appeal the decision and expressed his determination to continue defending free speech and remain in the United States, which he has called home for over 30 years.
The government argues that Sarsour’s convictions in Israel from decades ago pose a threat to U.S. national security. They also accuse him of providing false information on his green card application and illegally claiming citizenship to vote. However, Judge Jayme Salinardi of the Chicago Immigration Court rejected the government’s allegation that Sarsour lied to immigration officials but found him removable due to foreign policy considerations.
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that all individuals without legal immigration status receive due process, and those determined by a judge to have no right to remain in the country will be removed.
Sarsour, born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, was imprisoned in Israel in 1988 after a conviction for throwing stones at Israeli military personnel. The government also claims he was convicted of throwing a Molotov cocktail, although his defense states he was accused but not convicted of this charge.
Given these findings, the immigration court's decision supports the government's position that Sarsour can be deported. Sarsour has expressed concern that returning to the West Bank could put his life at risk.