An immigration judge has decided that the leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque can be deported due to national security concerns. The case involves Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked immigration law in June 2025 to suggest that Sarsour’s presence in the United States might negatively impact foreign policy. The government’s attorneys referred to Sarsour’s past convictions in Israel, which included incidents such as throwing rocks at Israeli soldiers and attempting to acquire weapons.
There were also claims that Sarsour had been convicted of using a Molotov cocktail against Israeli Defense Forces. However, Sarsour’s legal team denied this, asserting that he faced accusations but was never convicted.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that there were reasonable grounds to believe Sarsour’s continued presence might affect U.S. foreign policy adversely.
An FBI memorandum from 2001 documented accusations from Sarsour’s brother, implying involvement in fundraising for the Holy Land Foundation, shut down for terrorism links, attributed to Hamas. Additionally, Sarsour had made a social media post interpreted as supporting Gaza’s victory, with further language suggesting a call for punishment against Gaza’s adversaries.
The Department of Homeland Security announced an operation involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Marshals for Sarsour’s arrest in Milwaukee. He was identified as a criminal illegal alien from Jordan, suspected of supporting terrorist organizations.
“Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, illegal actions carry consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are unwelcome in the U.S.,” stated the DHS spokesperson, adding, “They receive due process.”
According to court documents, Sarsour is a lawful permanent resident who believes the Trump administration targets him for his activism concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. He alleges torture under Israeli authorities, leading to coerced confessions.
Sarsour has lived in the United States for 30 years, challenging why removal efforts occurred only now if he poses a national threat. He plans to appeal the deportation ruling, insisting on his right to free speech.
“I will continue fighting for free speech rights and staying in the country I have called home for over three decades,” Sarsour stated.
Sarsour’s legal representatives did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comments.