Immigration Judge Finds Wisconsin Mosque Leader Removable Under Cold War–Era Law — Lawyers Call It A Free-Speech Setback

An immigration judge has ruled that the president of Wisconsin's largest mosque is removable under a controversial Cold War–era statute, in a decision his attorneys say threatens free speech and civic advocacy.

Salah Sarsour, a lawful permanent resident for nearly 30 years, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March and later released after a federal judge concluded the detention was likely retaliatory given his advocacy for Palestinian rights. Despite that federal finding, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) pursued a separate, expedited immigration proceeding, and on Tuesday night an immigration judge ordered that Sarsour is "removable."

Case and Ruling

Judge Jayme Salinardi, who was brought in from another state to preside over the case, announced plans to retire shortly after issuing the order. The removal determination follows an administrative immigration hearing distinct from the federal judge's review of Sarsour's detention.

Government Allegations and Sarsour’s Response

DHS has alleged that Sarsour was "suspected of funding terror organizations and lying on immigration forms," and pointed to decades-old convictions in Israeli military courts for violent and weapons-related offenses. Sarsour and his lawyers deny those allegations. They contend the convictions stem from an arrest when he was a teenager during the first intifada, and that he was coerced into signing documents under torture and threat of sexual violence.

"The case we presented compels only one conclusion, which is that Salah is not deportable, he has done nothing wrong," said attorney Patrick Taurel. "He should be given back his green card with an apology for what's been done to him."

Legal Context And Reaction

Sarsour served two years in an Israeli prison after conviction in a military court system that critics note convicts Palestinians at a very high rate. His attorneys emphasized that US government agencies had long been aware of his past arrests in Israel. They describe the case as retaliation for his public advocacy and warn the ruling has chilling implications for free speech and political expression.

Sarsour is a board member of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), a national advocacy group that former Trump administration officials have criticized. He is also a father of six and grandfather of nine, all US citizens. After the ruling he called the decision "deeply disappointing" but vowed to continue his advocacy and legal fight.

What Comes Next

The immigration ruling can be challenged through available legal avenues, and Sarsour’s lawyers said they will continue to press his case. The dispute highlights tensions between immigration enforcement and constitutional concerns when allegations intersect with political speech.