Deportation Decision for Mosque Leader Salah Sarsour in the U.S.

The Chicago Immigration Court ruled that Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque and leader of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, could be deported from the United States. The decision regarding Sarsour, who has lived in the U.S. since 1993, has initiated a new legal process in his struggle to remain in the country.

Government's Security Rationale

The U.S. government argued that Sarsour’s convictions in Israel years ago posed a threat to national security. Immigration judge Jayme Salinardi, however, issued the decision that Sarsour could be removed from the United States on the basis of foreign‑policy considerations.

False Claim Not Accepted

The federal government also alleged that Sarsour failed to provide accurate information about his past convictions to immigration authorities and lied on his green‑card application. However, the judge rejected the government’s claim and did not order Sarsour’s deportation on that basis.

Past Convictions in Israel

Sarsour was sentenced to prison in Israel in 1988 for allegations that he threw Molotov cocktails and stones at Israeli soldiers. In 1995 he was convicted of attempting to possess a weapon. While Sarsour maintains he did not commit these crimes, his lawyers say the so‑called "confessions" were obtained under torture and pressure while he was in custody in Israel.

No Criminal Record in the United States

It has been reported that Sarsour has had no criminal record in the United States since he has lived there since 1993. His lawyers argue that the government has long been aware of his past convictions in Israel and that Sarsour has not concealed them from immigration authorities.

ICE Detained Him in March

Sarsour was detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Milwaukee on March 30, 2026. After being held for more than 80 days in Clay County Jail in Indiana, he was released in June by a decision of federal judge James Patrick Hanlon. Hanlon said he had raised a "significant" claim that Sarsour might have been targeted by the government because of his speeches on Palestinian rights.

Sarsour Will Appeal the Ruling

After the decision, Sarsour described the outcome as a 'deep disappointment' and announced that he would appeal. Sarsour, who has been living in the United States for more than three years, pointed out that he would continue his legal fight to stay in the country and defend his right to freedom of expression.

30 Days for Appeal

Sarsour's lawyers have 30 days to file an appeal against the immigration judge's decision. The deportation process is not expected to be carried out before the current legal proceedings are completed. In the next phase of the case, after Judge Salinardi's retirement, Judge Craig Defoe will take over.

Uncertainty About Destination Country

Sarsour argues that his life would be in danger if he were sent to the West Bank. While Jordan is listed among the possible countries in the ruling, his lawyers state that Sarsour does not have legal residency rights in Jordan. Judge Salinardi said the issue could be addressed in the appeal stage.