An immigration judge has ruled that the United States government can move forward with efforts to deport Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian American community leader and permanent US resident. The decision marks a major development in a case that has drawn attention from civil rights advocates, immigration groups, and supporters of Palestinian rights.
Sarsour serves as the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin. He has lived in the United States for more than 30 years and has long been active in community and religious work.
The ruling was issued by Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi in Chicago. The judge agreed with the government’s position that Sarsour could be removed from the country under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The law, which dates back to the Cold War era, allows deportation in certain cases involving national security and foreign policy concerns.
At the same time, the judge rejected a separate government claim that Sarsour had provided false information during the process of obtaining his green card. The ruling therefore focused on security-related arguments rather than allegations connected to his immigration application.
The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the decision. Officials said the court had supported several grounds for removability presented by the government during the proceedings.
Sarsour responded by expressing disappointment with the ruling. He said he plans to continue challenging the decision through the legal system and confirmed that his attorneys will file an appeal.
Under US immigration procedures, Sarsour cannot be deported while legal appeals remain active. The appeal process could take months or longer depending on how the case develops in higher courts.
In a public statement, Sarsour said he would continue speaking out on issues related to Palestinian rights. He also warned that returning to the Israeli-occupied West Bank could place him in danger.
The case began earlier this year when Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Sarsour in late March. He remained in custody until mid-June.
A federal judge later ordered his release while legal proceedings continued. The judge found that Sarsour had presented a substantial claim that his detention may have been linked to protected speech activities, raising questions about whether his detention was lawful.
Supporters of Sarsour argue that he is being targeted because of his political views and advocacy work. Leaders at the Islamic Society of Milwaukee have said the case reflects concerns about discrimination based on Palestinian identity, Muslim background, and support for Palestinian rights.
Sarsour’s legal team has also raised concerns about his health. They said he suffers from type 2 diabetes and lost more than 30 pounds during his time in immigration detention.
The government has pointed to events that took place before Sarsour moved to the United States. As a teenager living in the West Bank, he was convicted in an Israeli military court. Administration officials have cited that conviction as part of their argument that he represents a security concern.
Sarsour disputes those claims. He has said he did not commit the offenses attributed to him and argues that past confessions were obtained through coercion and mistreatment. He also says US authorities have known about the conviction for many years.
Human rights organizations have long examined the operation of military courts in the West Bank. Critics have questioned conviction rates and court procedures involving Palestinian defendants. Supporters of the system argue that it is necessary for security purposes.
The case comes as the Trump administration continues to take a strong approach on immigration and campus activism linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Administration officials have argued that some pro-Palestinian activism crosses into support for extremist groups or antisemitism.
Civil rights organizations and many advocacy groups reject that view. They argue that criticism of Israeli government policies and support for Palestinian rights are protected forms of political expression. Some Jewish organizations have also supported the position that advocacy for Palestinian rights should not automatically be viewed as antisemitic.
The Salah Sarsour deportation case is expected to remain under close scrutiny as appeals move forward. The outcome could influence future debates involving immigration law, free speech protections, national security claims, and political activism in the United States.
