Islamic Society of Milwaukee Says ICE Detained Group's President

Salah Sarsour, a longtime Milwaukee resident, was taken into custody by immigration agents on Monday.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:56pm

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The Islamic Society of Milwaukee has issued a statement saying that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested the organization's president, Salah Sarsour, on Monday as he was leaving his home. Sarsour has been a legal permanent resident of Milwaukee for over 32 years, and the Islamic Society is calling for his immediate release, citing concerns over his First Amendment rights and the upholding of American values.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about the treatment of immigrant community leaders and the balance between national security concerns and civil liberties. The arrest of the Islamic Society's president could have a chilling effect on the group's ability to freely criticize foreign regimes and advocate for its members' interests.

The details

According to the statement from the Islamic Society, ICE agents followed Sarsour as he left his home, surrounded his vehicle, and took him into custody. He was first taken to an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, and then transferred to a detention center in Indiana. The Islamic Society is calling on the U.S. government to release Sarsour, who they say is a lawful permanent resident, and to uphold American values of freedom, fairness, and the rule of law.

  • On Monday, April 1, 2026, ICE agents arrested Salah Sarsour as he was leaving his home in Milwaukee.

The players

Salah Sarsour

The president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, who has been a legal resident of the city for over 32 years and is a lawful permanent resident of the United States.

Islamic Society of Milwaukee

A community organization that has issued a statement calling for the release of its president, Salah Sarsour, and for the U.S. government to uphold American values of freedom, fairness, and the rule of law.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that arrested Salah Sarsour and took him into custody.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between immigrant communities, law enforcement, and the protection of civil liberties in the United States. It raises concerns about the treatment of community leaders and the potential impact on the ability of immigrant groups to freely express their views and advocate for their interests.