Patrick Taurel

Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, the largest mosque in Wisconsin, is currently facing deportation proceedings. An immigration judge has ruled that Sarsour, a US permanent resident for nearly 30 years, can be deported under a cold war-era law. This law has been controversially used by the Trump administration against non-citizens who have been outspoken advocates for Palestinian rights. Sarsour was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in March. His lawyers contend that the decision threatens free speech protections and are planning to fight the ruling. Recent developments include witness testimony suggesting that US efforts to deport Sarsour rely on coerced confessions. The case highlights the intersection of immigration law, free speech, and advocacy for Palestinian rights.