Head of Wisconsin's Largest Islamic Group Arrested by ICE

Salah Sarsour, a legal permanent resident, was detained by federal immigration agents, sparking accusations of political targeting.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:45pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary mosque or Islamic community center, its facade cast in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.The arrest of a respected Muslim leader has sparked accusations of political targeting and concerns over the use of immigration enforcement to silence dissent.Today in Milwaukee

The president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, Salah Sarsour, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Monday in Milwaukee. Sarsour's attorneys and local officials have accused the federal government of targeting him due to his criticism of Israel and his advocacy for the Palestinian cause.

Why it matters

The arrest of a prominent Muslim community leader has raised concerns about the potential use of immigration enforcement to silence political dissent, particularly criticism of Israel's policies toward Palestinians. It also highlights ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities.

The details

Sarsour, a 53-year-old Palestinian-born legal permanent resident, was detained after leaving his home by nearly a dozen ICE agents. His attorneys claim he was targeted due to his past convictions by Israeli military courts for offenses such as allegedly throwing rocks at Israeli officers, as well as his outspoken criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. Sarsour has no criminal record in the U.S., where he has lived for over 30 years.

  • Sarsour was detained by ICE agents on Monday, April 1, 2026, after leaving his home in Milwaukee.
  • Sarsour has been the board president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest Islamic organization in the state, for the past 5 years.

The players

Salah Sarsour

A 53-year-old Palestinian-born legal permanent resident of the United States and the president of Wisconsin's largest mosque, the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

Munjed Ahmad

One of Sarsour's attorneys, who has accused the U.S. government of doing "the bidding of a foreign government" by targeting Sarsour for his criticism of Israel.

Othman Atta

Another one of Sarsour's attorneys, who told a crowd of supporters that Sarsour was "targeted because he dared stand up to the Israeli army" and that he is not a U.S. citizen.

Cavalier Johnson

The mayor of Milwaukee, who called Sarsour's arrest "an outrage" and "another example of overreach and harm from the U.S. immigration authorities."

Paul D. Erickson

The bishop of the Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who called Sarsour's arrest "the latest example of how this administration seeks to silence opposition and intimidate those who speak and act differently."

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What they’re saying

“Our government should not be doing the bidding of a foreign government. There's no question in my mind is that this is to stifle the discourse on the Palestinian narrative.”

— Munjed Ahmad, Attorney

“He was targeted because of one thing, because he dared stand up to the Israeli army. And he was not a U.S. citizen.”

— Othman Atta, Attorney

“This appears to be just the latest example of how this administration seeks to silence opposition and intimidate those who speak and act differently.”

— Paul D. Erickson, Bishop, Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

“He is a legal permanent resident. There is no substantive evidence he has done anything wrong. This is another example of overreach and harm from the U.S. immigration authorities.”

— Cavalier Johnson, Mayor of Milwaukee

What’s next

Sarsour's attorneys have filed a petition seeking his release from the county jail in Indiana where he is being held. They say he is ready to fight to stay in the country.

The takeaway

The arrest of Salah Sarsour, a prominent Muslim community leader in Wisconsin, has raised concerns about the potential use of immigration enforcement to target and silence political dissent, particularly criticism of Israel's policies toward Palestinians. It highlights ongoing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities.