A Wisconsin mosque president was detained by ICE agents. Supporters say he was targeted for speaking out against Israel
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
A mosque president and legal permanent resident was detained by ICE after publicly criticizing Israeli policies.
How This Affects You
If you are an immigrant activist or critic of government policies, this case raises questions about whether immigration enforcement may be used to target political speech, potentially affecting your legal status regardless of criminal history.
AI Summary
Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident, was detained by ICE agents in Milwaukee on Monday after leaving his home, according to the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. Sarsour serves as president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee and has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies. His supporters contend the detention was retaliation for his public statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, raising concerns about potential discrimination based on political speech. The case highlights broader tensions over free speech protections for immigrants and activists critical of Israel, particularly amid intensified immigration enforcement under the current administration. ICE detentions of lawful permanent residents are relatively uncommon and typically occur when individuals have criminal convictions or security concerns.
Source Coverage Map
3 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
2 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
Civil RightsPresident of Wisconsin’s largest mosque detained by US immigration agents
<p>Attorneys for Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born US green card holder, say he was targeted for criticizing Israel</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/feb/17/sign-up-for-the-breaking-news-us-email-to-get-newsletter-alerts-direct-to-your-inbox?utm_medium=ACQUISITIONS_STANDFIRST&utm_campaign=BN22326&utm_content=signup&utm_term=standfirst&utm_source=GUARDIAN_WEB">Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox</a></p></li></ul><p>The president of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/wisconsin">Wisconsin</a>’s largest mosque was detained by federal immigration agents, drawing accusations from local officials and religious leaders that the arrest was motivated by his statements against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/israel">Israel</a>.</p><p>Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian-born legal permanent resident of the United States, was taken into custody by nearly a dozen <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/u...
Civil RightsPresident of Wisconsin’s largest mosque detained by US immigration agents - theguardian.com
Civil RightsUS ICE detains Islamic Society of Milwaukee President Salah Sarsour - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiygFBVV95cUxPQ3FfQm9FYnFuRDBvb0Z3SHp3NE5lbmd2Y0E2MjNUQ0ZjTHpXdFVKTFQyamgyRnlnVUFoRkw0WVFLU2MyMVBhbFM5cS1yczk3dl82TlhTeEJzcjg0Nk5PSnc5cWJtNGgwNzFtX1BMb3R1YjFYSUl5dzFvUE11WXZHdnJMQXFoaTZIUE81ZzFQZTZOY1Y4UlJkdS1URDJUV3pxbkNRUW5WOUI2eWFwZ1h1dGRtYkZwUGtuRERsTEtJTVFMVG1NTFFnLW9n?oc=5" target="_blank">US ICE detains Islamic Society of Milwaukee President Salah Sarsour</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Civil RightsICE detains president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque - NBC News
PoliticsFight over University of Wisconsin system president's future draws heat from Republican leader - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivwFBVV95cUxPV3FUZU1DSUY1Z3pEVlQ4amFsb3VSbzVkTlNqTEpnTzMyT0hkMzZPS2ZSbS1aSlQ0WnRLM21TTmszV3Qya0N4R05UYVY5dloxdkE2ZEtWWEJoUWRNOHVvQ1d2U3NKS0VGUDlYcW5pVTNocHVEcVRDNzBCajhTbnFGQ3M5aE5nUTBSV1RacHJmU2xkbFR6X0d6R1dNVENLY2thM3AzTVpON045a2gwZ1FjZ3BwSFdDc1FRUGxyN0lacw?oc=5" target="_blank">Fight over University of Wisconsin system president's future draws heat from Republican leader</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Government TransparencyDOJ says Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional
The opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel said that because it believes the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional, President Trump does not need to comply with it.

Immigrants seeking asylum are ordered to countries they've never been to, but end up stuck in limbo - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMikwFBVV95cUxONUM3TkF5WGpsUFdSTk9FVC1uWXo4OGV6dlRwS1oyd1Ridkp3cy1Lak8yN1c0N3lEUjgwNmUteWRqbHJwT2xUVXNLSnlBRHdjdnVWcFdvQnpIYXJ2Ymx1cWFwZllTMERuWGJ0V1ZIeUowVmFrVDE5VTM0YjdiNEJqd191aG1wYXBsbWlzbUE3Vl9BZW8?oc=5" target="_blank">Immigrants seeking asylum are ordered to countries they've never been to, but end up stuck in limbo</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?

After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work

US paves way for private assets to be included in 401(k) retirement plans - Reuters

Trump administration scales back on asylum crackdown, sources say

European nations warn over Israel’s planned expansion of death penalty




