Milwaukee Islamic Leader Arrested, Accused of Lying on Immigration Form and Terrorism Ties

Wisconsin Democrats demand release of Salah Sarsour, who DHS says is a 'convicted criminal' and 'terrorist'

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:09am

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A photorealistic painting of a government office building or courthouse in warm, golden light, with deep shadows and a sense of quiet contemplation, conceptually representing the complex issues surrounding the arrest of a Muslim community leader.A somber scene of a government building reflects the complex tensions surrounding the arrest of a prominent Milwaukee Muslim leader.Today in Milwaukee

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has arrested Milwaukee Islamic leader Salah Sarsour, accusing him of being a 'convicted criminal who lied on his immigration form' and a 'terrorist convicted for throwing Molotov cocktails at the homes of Israeli armed forces.' However, Wisconsin Democrats have rushed to demand Sarsour's release and criticize law enforcement, with some claiming he was targeted for his advocacy and community organizing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and Muslim community leaders, as well as the political divides over immigration and national security issues. It also raises questions about the connections between American Muslim advocacy groups and designated terrorist organizations.

The details

According to the DHS, Sarsour first submitted an application for an immigrant visa in 1993 that was denied due to his convictions in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli armed forces and illegally attempting to possess weapons and ammunition. Sarsour ultimately entered the U.S. in 1993 as a conditional resident and became a green card holder in 1998. DHS alleges that Sarsour lied on his immigration forms. Sarsour's attorney, however, says the deportation paperwork cites Sarsour's arrest by Israeli authorities as a teenager as the reason for his detention, not any criminal conviction in the U.S.

  • Sarsour first submitted an immigrant visa application in 1993, which was denied.
  • Sarsour entered the U.S. as a conditional resident in 1993.
  • Sarsour became a green card holder in 1998.

The players

Salah Sarsour

The president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and a board member of American Muslims for Palestine, who has been arrested by DHS and accused of being a 'convicted criminal' and 'terrorist.'

Munjed Ahmad

Salah Sarsour's attorney, who says Sarsour is being detained not due to any criminal conviction, but because the Secretary of State has determined he 'poses an adverse consequence to foreign policy considerations.'

Othman Atta

The executive director of the Milwaukee mosque, who contradicted DHS's claims about Sarsour and said 'he is being deported because he's exercising his right of freedom of speech.'

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)

A national advocacy organization that Salah Sarsour is a board member of, which has been accused of links to Hamas and providing material support to terrorist organizations.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that arrested Salah Sarsour and accused him of being a 'terrorist convicted for throwing Molotov cocktails' and 'lying on his immigration form.'

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What they’re saying

“Targeting people because of their beliefs or background is wrong.”

— Tony Evers, Wisconsin Governor

“This doesn't make us safer.”

— Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator

“The deportation paperwork he received when he was arrested said the federal government is holding him not because of any criminal conviction, but because Secretary of State Marco Rubio has determined Sarsour 'poses an adverse consequence to foreign policy considerations.'”

— Munjed Ahmad, Salah Sarsour's attorney

“It's absolutely false. He is being deported because he's exercising his right of freedom of speech.”

— Othman Atta, Executive Director, Milwaukee Mosque

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Salah Sarsour to be released on bail pending his deportation proceedings.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and Muslim community leaders, as well as the political divides over immigration and national security issues. It also raises questions about the connections between American Muslim advocacy groups and designated terrorist organizations, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties.