ICE Arrests Milwaukee Islamic Society Head on Terrorism Charges

Salah Sarsour, a Jordanian national, was convicted in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at Israeli forces.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a Molotov cocktail against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the violent crime and terrorism charges against Salah Sarsour.The arrest of a convicted terrorist exposes tensions over immigration enforcement and public safety.Today in Milwaukee

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has arrested Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, on terrorism charges. Sarsour was previously convicted in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli armed forces and illegally attempting to possess weapons and ammunition. He lied on his immigration application and was granted a green card under President Clinton.

Why it matters

The arrest of Sarsour, a leader in the Milwaukee Muslim community, has sparked outrage from some local politicians who claim the move is about "sowing division and fear." However, DHS has stated that Sarsour is a convicted terrorist who poses a threat to public safety, and that his arrest is necessary to protect American communities.

The details

Sarsour first submitted an application for an immigrant visa at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, which was denied due to his prior convictions in Israel. Despite this, he was later able to obtain a green card and become a legal permanent resident of the United States. ICE has now arrested Sarsour and he will remain in custody pending removal proceedings.

  • Sarsour was arrested by ICE on April 2, 2026.
  • Sarsour was previously convicted in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli armed forces.

The players

Salah Sarsour

The president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee who was arrested by ICE on terrorism charges. Sarsour was previously convicted in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli armed forces and illegally attempting to possess weapons and ammunition.

Tony Evers

The Democratic governor of Wisconsin who condemned Sarsour's arrest, claiming it is about "sowing division and fear" and not making Wisconsin safer.

Lauren Bis

The Acting Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security who celebrated Sarsour's arrest, stating that the administration will always put the safety of the American people first.

Bill Melugin

A Fox News correspondent who confirmed that ICE arrested Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee.

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What they’re saying

“Targeting people because of their beliefs or background is wrong. This is clearly about sowing division and fear and doesn't help make Wisconsin safer. I'm thinking of Mr. Sarsour's family in this difficult time, and I join @RepGwenMoore in calling for his immediate release.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

“Thanks to President Trump and ICE, this terrorist is out of American communities. This Administration will always put the safety of the American people FIRST and Make America Safe Again.”

— Lauren Bis, Acting Assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Sarsour will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement efforts to identify and remove convicted terrorists from the country, and concerns from some politicians and community members about perceived targeting of individuals based on their religious or ethnic background. The safety of American communities must be the top priority.