A US immigration judge has ruled that Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian American community leader and permanent resident of the United States, can be deported under a provision of federal immigration law. The decision has set the stage for a new legal battle as Sarsour prepares to challenge the ruling through the appeals process.
Sarsour is the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin. He has lived in the United States for more than three decades and has been active in religious and community affairs during that time.
The ruling was issued by Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi in Chicago. The judge agreed with the government’s argument that Sarsour could be removed under sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act that relate to national security and foreign policy concerns.
However, the court rejected a separate allegation that Sarsour had provided false information when applying for permanent residency. As a result, the deportation decision was based on security-related claims rather than accusations connected to his immigration paperwork.
The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the outcome. Officials said the court had upheld several grounds presented by the government in support of removal proceedings.
Sarsour quickly announced plans to appeal. In a statement following the decision, he described the ruling as disappointing and said he would continue to pursue legal options available to him.
Under US immigration law, a deportation order cannot be carried out while active appeals remain pending. That means Sarsour is expected to remain in the country as the case moves through higher levels of review.
Sarsour has also said he fears for his safety if he is forced to return to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. His legal team has argued that deportation could place him at serious personal risk.
The case began in late March when Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Sarsour. He remained in custody for several months before being released in mid-June.
A federal judge ordered his release after finding that he had raised a significant claim that his detention may have been linked to protected speech activities. The judge said the argument deserved further legal consideration.
Supporters of Sarsour have argued that the case is connected to his public advocacy for Palestinian rights. Leaders at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee have said he is being unfairly targeted because of his political views, ethnic background, and religious identity.
The mosque has publicly defended Sarsour and highlighted his long history in the local community. Supporters say he has spent years working with families, religious groups, and civic organizations across Wisconsin.
Health concerns have also been raised during the proceedings. According to his legal team, Sarsour has type 2 diabetes and experienced significant weight loss while in immigration detention. Attorneys said he lost more than 30 pounds during that period.
Government lawyers have pointed to events that occurred before Sarsour arrived in the United States. As a teenager in the West Bank, he was convicted by an Israeli military court. Officials have cited that conviction as evidence supporting their position that he poses a security concern.
Sarsour strongly disputes that characterization. He has denied committing the acts described by the government and says he was pressured into making statements during his detention as a youth. He also argues that US authorities have been aware of the case for many years.
The dispute has renewed attention on the military court system used in the West Bank. Human rights groups have raised concerns about court procedures and conviction rates involving Palestinian defendants. Others maintain that the courts play a role in addressing security matters in the region.
The case unfolds as the Trump administration continues to pursue strict immigration policies and increased scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism. Administration officials have argued that some activism linked to the conflict raises concerns about extremism and antisemitism.
Advocacy groups disagree with that position. They argue that support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israeli government policies are forms of political expression protected under democratic principles. Several organizations, including some Jewish groups, have echoed that view.
The Wisconsin mosque leader deportation case is expected to continue through the appeals system. Legal experts say the final outcome could have broader implications for immigration enforcement, free speech rights, and the treatment of political activism in the United States.
