ICE Detention of Islamic Leader Sparks Outcry
The Department of Homeland Security responded to claims from a Democratic lawmaker regarding the targeting of immigrants based on skin color and religious beliefs.
Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, shared an article about Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee—Wisconsin’s largest mosque—who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“This individual remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.”
Reports indicate that Sarsour has been a lawful permanent resident for over 30 years. Local advocates allege that the Trump administration is specifically targeting voices that support Palestinian advocacy.
Osman Ata, another leader from the mosque, spoke at a recent rally, asserting, “They aim to criminalize advocacy for Palestine. That’s the only reason he’s facing this action. There’s nothing else.” Baldwin voiced similar sentiments, labeling ICE’s actions as racially motivated.
“Salah arrived here legally and has been a valuable part of our community for three decades,” she stated. “This looks like ICE is going after someone due to their race or beliefs, which isn’t how America operates. We deserve to know why ICE chose to target Salah.”
Hours later, DHS provided a response via social media.
They reported that ICE had detained a Jordanian individual with a criminal history for throwing a Molotov cocktail at an Israeli military facility. The department revealed that Sarsour had allegedly made false statements on his immigration application and was granted a green card during President Clinton’s administration, adding, “This individual will stay in ICE custody as removal proceedings commence.”
Ata mentioned that Sarsour’s wife and six children hold U.S. citizenship and claimed that authorities were aware of Sarsour’s past arrest by Israeli officials since his immigration in 1993.
“He is simply exercising his right to free speech and is facing deportation,” Ata stated.
Sarsour also ran multiple furniture stores in Milwaukee, and his adult son described him as a community pillar.
