A U.S. immigration judge ruled on September 30, 2026, that Salah Sarsour, president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque, is subject to deportation under a controversial law. This statute is used against non-citizens advocating for Palestinian rights, according to his legal representation. Sarsour, a Palestinian-born permanent resident of the United States for over three decades, was previously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March. He was released following an 81-day confinement ordered by a federal judge.
- Legal Team Responds and Outlines Appeal Strategy
- Background on Salah Sarsour and Detention
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Salah Sarsour?
- Why is Salah Sarsour facing deportation?
- What was the recent ruling by the immigration judge?
- Does the ruling mean Sarsour will be deported immediately?
- What are the next steps for Sarsour’s legal team?
The deportation case against Sarsour stems partly from a memorandum issued by the U.S. Secretary of State. The memo asserted that Sarsour’s public actions and advocacy undermine U.S. foreign policy objectives regarding the global combat of antisemitism. During the proceedings, Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi cited a rare provision within the Immigration and Nationality Act. This provision permits deportation when the Secretary of State determines a non-citizen’s presence harms foreign policy interests. Legal experts noted that the judge felt bound by judicial precedent to defer heavily to the Secretary of State’s memorandum. This severely limited the court’s examination of supporting evidence.
Legal Team Responds and Outlines Appeal Strategy
Patrick Taurel, lead immigration attorney for Sarsour, strongly criticized the ruling during a press conference. Taurel maintained that the evidence introduced throughout the trial demonstrates conclusively that Sarsour is not legally deportable and should retain his green card status.
“The evidence presented at trial compels only one conclusion: that Salah is not deportable on any of the grounds alleged by ICE and that Salah should be able to keep his green card,” Taurel stated.
The recent ruling does not execute an immediate deportation. Judge Salinardi established a 60-day deadline for Sarsour’s defense team to file applications for relief from removal. Taurel indicated that the legal strategy will involve filing for a deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture. This filing will argue that deporting Sarsour would expose him to a high probability of torture. A separate trial addressing this protection claim is expected to take place early next year, alongside a formal appeal of the primary deportation decision.
Background on Salah Sarsour and Detention
Sarsour grew up in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. He serves as the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest mosque, and acts as a board member for the organization American Muslims for Palestine. His March 30 arrest by immigration agents triggered widespread attention. This led to his detention at the Clay County Jail in Indiana before U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon ordered his release in June.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has alleged that Sarsour misrepresented information on past immigration forms to secure his green card. They also characterized him through historical allegations involving actions against Israeli military targets. However, Sarsour’s supporters and attorneys maintain that his current prosecution is politically motivated retaliation for his prominent pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Addressing the public following the court’s decision, Sarsour expressed his determination to continue fighting the ruling.
“While today’s decision is deeply disappointing, I will not give up,” Sarsour wrote in a statement. “I will continue fighting to defend the right to free speech and to stay in the country I have called home for more than three decades.”
Judge Salinardi noted his upcoming retirement during the status conference. Consequently, a new immigration judge will be assigned to manage the scheduling and trial phases of Sarsour’s ongoing legal battle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Salah Sarsour?
Salah Sarsour is a Palestinian-born U.S. permanent resident of more than 30 years. He serves as the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s largest mosque, and is a board member for American Muslims for Palestine.
Why is Salah Sarsour facing deportation?
Sarsour faces deportation under a rare immigration law provision following a memorandum by the U.S. Secretary of State claiming his actions undermine U.S. foreign policy. The Department of Homeland Security has also accused him of immigration application discrepancies, while his lawyers argue he is targeted for pro-Palestinian advocacy.
What was the recent ruling by the immigration judge?
On September 30, 2026, Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi ruled that Sarsour is deportable, giving extreme deference to the Secretary of State’s memorandum as required by legal precedent.
Does the ruling mean Sarsour will be deported immediately?
No. The ruling does not cause immediate deportation. Sarsour’s legal team has a 60-day window to file for relief from removal, specifically targeting a deferral under the Convention Against Torture.
What are the next steps for Sarsour’s legal team?
His attorneys plan to appeal the immigration judge’s decision and pursue a trial scheduled for next year focused on proving that deportation would expose Sarsour to severe danger and torture.
