U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore is calling on Immigration and Customs Enforcement to immediately release Salah Sarsour, the president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, after his detention earlier this month sparked protests and allegations of political targeting.
“This is completely unacceptable,” Moore said in a statement. “Salah Sarsour is a respected leader in the Milwaukee community, and his detention raises serious concerns about the continued targeting of lawful residents based on the color of their skin or their political beliefs.”
Sarsour, a Palestinian-born lawful permanent resident and green card holder, was arrested by ICE earlier this month and is currently being held at a detention facility in Indiana. Federal officials allege that Sarsour lied on his green card application in 1993. The Department of Homeland Security has also accused him of throwing Molotov cocktails at Israeli forces before coming to the United States.
Supporters, family members and advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., this week to demand Sarsour’s release. They say the longtime Milwaukee resident is being unfairly targeted because of his outspoken support for Palestinians and criticism of the Israeli government.
Kareem Sarsour, his son, said his father is the primary caregiver for an elderly family member with dementia. He described him as a father, grandfather and community leader whose absence has deeply affected the family.
“This is not just about one man,” Kareem Sarsour said. “This is about whether people can speak freely without fear of being punished.”
Nihad Awad, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called Sarsour “a political prisoner” and said he is being persecuted for constitutionally protected speech.
“He has spent more than 30 years strengthening those around him,” Awad said. “To abduct Salah Sarsour for his politically protected First Amendment activity sends a troubling message.”
Advocates are demanding that all charges against Sarsour be dropped and are urging Congress to investigate what they describe as the use of immigration law to target pro-Palestinian activists and lawful permanent residents.
