Immigration judge rules US can deport president of Wisconsin's largest mosque - Reuters

A U.S. immigration judge has ruled that the government may deport Salah Sarsour, a Palestinian‑American who serves as president of the largest mosque in Wisconsin. The decision was issued on September 30 and is based on national‑security considerations.

Sarsour, a permanent resident of the United States, has been identified as the leader of the Islamic Center of Greater Milwaukee, the state’s most prominent mosque. He has been active in the local Muslim community and has held the position of president for several years.

The judge’s order invokes a Cold War‑era immigration statute that permits removal of non‑citizens deemed a threat to national security. Under that law, the government is authorized to deport permanent residents who are found to pose such a risk.

The ruling does not itself carry out the removal; it authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to proceed with deportation proceedings. Sarsour retains the right to challenge the decision through the immigration court system and, if necessary, through appellate review.

The case highlights the application of longstanding immigration provisions to contemporary security assessments, and it may set a precedent for future actions involving community leaders with similar backgrounds.