A US immigration judge has ruled that the federal government can continue efforts to deport Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian American community leader and lawful permanent resident. The decision has sparked a new phase in a closely watched legal case that centers on immigration law, national security claims, and free speech concerns.
Sarsour is the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin. Community leaders say he has lived in the United States for more than 30 years and has played a leading role in religious and civic activities.
The ruling was delivered by Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi in Chicago. The judge accepted the government’s argument that Sarsour could be removed from the country under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Those provisions allow deportation in certain cases involving foreign policy and national security considerations.
At the same time, the judge rejected a separate claim that Sarsour had misrepresented information during his application for permanent residency. The court’s decision therefore focused on security-related arguments rather than allegations involving immigration paperwork.
The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the outcome. Officials said the ruling supported multiple legal grounds presented by the government during the removal proceedings.
Sarsour said he intends to challenge the decision through the appeals process. He described the ruling as disappointing and said he would continue defending his position in court.
Under current immigration procedures, he cannot be deported while legal appeals are still underway. The case is expected to move to higher immigration courts, where the ruling will face further review.
Sarsour has stated that he fears for his safety if he is sent to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. His attorneys argue that deportation could place him in danger and have urged courts to consider those concerns as the case progresses.
The legal battle began earlier this year when Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Sarsour in March. He remained in custody until June, when a federal judge ordered his release.
That judge found that Sarsour had raised a significant claim that his detention may have been connected to his protected speech activities. The court said the argument deserved further examination, allowing him to continue his legal fight outside detention.
Supporters have described the case as an attack on political advocacy. Leaders of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee have said Sarsour is being targeted because of his support for Palestinian rights and his public involvement in issues related to the Middle East.
The mosque has emphasized his long history in Wisconsin and his role as a respected community figure. Supporters say he has spent decades serving local residents through educational, religious, and outreach programs.
Sarsour’s legal team has also highlighted health concerns. According to his attorneys, he suffers from type 2 diabetes and experienced substantial weight loss while being held in immigration custody. They say his condition worsened during detention.
Government officials have pointed to a conviction from Sarsour’s youth in the West Bank. As a teenager, he was convicted in an Israeli military court. The administration has referenced that conviction as part of its argument that he presents a security concern.
Sarsour disputes the allegations connected to that case. He says he did not commit the crimes described by authorities and argues that statements made during the investigation were obtained through coercion. He also maintains that US officials have been aware of the conviction for many years.
The case has drawn attention to the broader debate surrounding military courts in the West Bank. Human rights groups have criticized aspects of the system, while supporters argue that it serves an important security function.
The dispute is unfolding against the backdrop of wider immigration and political debates in the United States. The Trump administration has taken a firm approach toward immigration enforcement and has increased scrutiny of some pro-Palestinian activism.
Administration officials argue that certain forms of activism can raise concerns about support for extremist groups. Civil rights advocates reject that view and say criticism of Israeli policies and support for Palestinian rights are protected forms of political expression.
The US immigration deportation ruling involving Salah Sarsour is likely to remain under close public attention as appeals continue. The final outcome may influence future discussions about immigration authority, constitutional protections, and the balance between national security concerns and civil liberties.
