ICE Detains Milwaukee Islamic Leader Over Prior Conviction

DHS responds to Senator's accusations of targeting based on skin color or beliefs

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:05pm

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A realistic oil painting depicting an ICE enforcement vehicle parked on a shadowy city street, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of tension and unease in the community.A somber scene of law enforcement presence in a diverse urban community raises concerns over civil liberties and racial profiling.Today in Milwaukee

The Department of Homeland Security has responded to accusations from Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeted the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Salah Sarsour, due to his skin color or political beliefs. DHS stated that Sarsour, a legal permanent resident for over 30 years, was arrested due to a prior conviction for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli forces and lying on his immigration application.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and political leaders over allegations of racial profiling and the targeting of minority groups. It also raises questions about the balance between national security concerns and civil liberties.

The details

Salah Sarsour, the president of the largest mosque in Wisconsin, was detained by ICE agents. Local activists accused the Trump administration of targeting pro-Palestinian voices, with one leader claiming 'They want to criminalize advocacy for Palestine.' Senator Baldwin initially accused ICE of targeting Sarsour due to his skin color or beliefs, but DHS later responded that Sarsour had a prior conviction for throwing a Molotov cocktail at Israeli homes and had lied on his immigration application.

  • Sarsour has been a legal permanent resident of the U.S. for over 30 years, since 1993.
  • Sarsour was detained by ICE agents in April 2026.

The players

Salah Sarsour

The president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin, who was detained by ICE. Sarsour has been a legal permanent resident for over 30 years.

Tammy Baldwin

A Democratic Senator from Wisconsin who accused ICE of targeting Sarsour due to his skin color or political beliefs.

Othman Atta

Another leader at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee who claimed Sarsour was being targeted for his advocacy for Palestine.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that responded to Senator Baldwin's accusations, stating that Sarsour had a prior conviction for throwing a Molotov cocktail at Israeli homes and had lied on his immigration application.

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What they’re saying

“They want to criminalize advocacy for Palestine. That is the only reason that he is being targeted. There is nothing else.”

— Othman Atta, Leader, Islamic Society of Milwaukee

“Salah is here lawfully and has been a productive member of our community for 30 years. This looks like ICE targeting someone because of their skin color or what they believe — and that is not the American way. This doesn't make us safer. We need answers why ICE targeted Salah.”

— Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator

“ICE arrested a Jordanian national with a prior conviction for THROWING A MOLOTOV COCKTAIL at the homes of Israeli Forces. He lied on his immigration application and became a green card holder under President Clinton. This terrorist will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.”

— Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

The judge overseeing Sarsour's removal proceedings will determine whether he will be deported based on the evidence presented by ICE and DHS.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement, immigrant communities, and political leaders over allegations of racial profiling and the targeting of minority groups. It also raises complex questions about balancing national security concerns with civil liberties and the rights of legal permanent residents.