US Judge Rules on Possibility of Deporting Wisconsin Mosque Imam Defending Palestinian Rights

An American judge ruled that the fiancé of the largest mosque in Wisconsin, who has advocated for Palestinian rights, could be deported on grounds related to foreign policy.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detained Imam Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-American, in Milwaukee last March.

A federal judge ordered Sarsour’s release in June, noting that he had raised a “substantial” claim that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump targeted him because of his criticism of Israel and his defense of Palestinian rights.

In a statement, Sarsour said the ruling was “deeply disappointing,” adding that he intends to appeal it.

He continued: “I will continue the struggle to defend the right to free speech and to remain in the country I have considered my homeland for more than three decades.”

The U.S. government says Sarsour’s prior terrorism conviction in Israel renders him a threat to U.S. national security, and accuses him of lying about it in his application for a green card (permanent resident card).