Wisconsin Mosque Leader Faces Deportation on National Security Grounds

An immigration judge decided on Wednesday that Salah Sarsour, the leader of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, could be deported for reasons related to national security. This decision followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s action in June 2025 to apply federal immigration laws, arguing that Sarsour’s presence might have severe foreign policy implications for the U.S.

Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, faced these allegations due to past convictions in Israel. The accusations include attempting to procure weapons and throwing objects at Israeli military personnel, although the claim about using a Molotov cocktail was contested by his lawyer, who clarified that Sarsour was never convicted of that specific act.

A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security emphasized that there were reasonable grounds to believe Sarsour’s presence could adversely affect U.S. foreign policy and involved engagement in or support of terrorist activities. A 2001 FBI memo also mentioned allegations related to Sarsour, concerning fundraising activities for the Holy Land Foundation, linked to Hamas, as reported by Sarsour’s brother, Jamil.

Jewish Insider highlighted a Facebook post by Sarsour asking for divine intervention for Gaza, which, as conceded in a deposition, contained additional language interpreted as a call for retribution against those harming Gaza.

An operation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security resulted in Sarsour’s arrest, identifying him as a criminal illegal alien from Jordan, suspected of funding terrorist organizations and falsifying immigration documents. The Department enforced strict adherence to law under the Trump administration, noting that illegal aliens face consequences, though they receive due process.

Sarsour, a lawful permanent resident, claims political motives drive the actions against him, particularly his stance on the Israel-Gaza issue. His lengthy residency of 30 years in the U.S. raises questions about the timing of the government’s actions if he indeed posed a national security threat.

Vowing to appeal, Sarsour expressed his commitment to defend free speech and remain in the country he has known as home for over three decades. His legal team, however, did not comment on the recent developments when approached.