Immigration Judge Rules Wisconsin Mosque Leader Deportable on National Security Grounds

An immigration judge has ruled that federal authorities can deport Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, citing national security grounds. The decision follows an action by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who invoked federal immigration law in June 2025 to determine that Sarsour's presence in the United States could have serious adverse foreign policy consequences.

Government lawyers presented decades-old convictions from Israel, including for throwing rocks at Israeli military personnel and attempting to procure weapons, as evidence that Sarsour poses a national security threat. The prosecution also claimed he was convicted of throwing a Molotov cocktail at Israeli forces, an allegation Sarsour's lawyer disputes, stating he was accused but not convicted of this specific act.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that Rubio had "reasonable grounds to believe Sarsour’s presence would have adverse foreign policy consequences for the U.S., and he has engaged in terrorist activity or supported a terrorist organization." The spokesperson also noted that criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. and that such individuals receive due process.

Sarsour, identified in court documents as a lawful permanent resident, and his legal team contend that the administration is targeting him for political reasons, particularly due to his advocacy concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. Sarsour also alleges he was subjected to torture by Israeli authorities, leading to a confession.

His lawyers have questioned the timing of the government's actions, given that Sarsour has lived in the U.S. for 30 years, suggesting it is unusual to seek his removal after such a long period if he were a genuine national security risk.

An FBI memorandum from 2001 summarized allegations from Sarsour's brother that he had been involved in fundraising for the Holy Land Foundation, an organization the federal government later designated as having terror ties, on behalf of Hamas. Reports also indicate Sarsour posted on Facebook expressing support for Gaza and acknowledging that additional language in the post could be interpreted as calling for punishment of those who harmed Gaza.

Sarsour has stated his intention to appeal the judge's ruling and continue his fight for free speech and the right to remain in the country he considers home for over three decades. His lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.