Judge Rules U.S. Can Deport Milwaukee Islamic Society President

Immigration Judge Jayme Salinardi ruled Wednesday that the United States can deport Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and a Palestinian rights advocate, on national security and foreign-policy grounds. The decision follows efforts by the Trump administration to remove Sarsour based on 1988 and 1995 convictions in Israel involving weapons possession and a Molotov cocktail.

Sarsour, a legal resident since 1993, denies the crimes and alleges that Israel's Shin Bet agency tortured him to coerce confessions. While Judge Salinardi found Sarsour removable, he rejected government claims that Sarsour lied on his green card application. The case has seen conflicting judicial actions, including a June ruling by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, who ordered Sarsour's release from ICE custody due to concerns over retaliation for protected speech.

Sarsour intends to appeal the ruling, stating that deportation to the West Bank "means the end of my life." He maintains he is being targeted for his political speech and vows to continue fighting for his right to remain in the country he has called home for over three decades.