Muslim Leader: ICE Detention Brought Back Palestine Memories 2026

Salah Sarsour, a prominent Muslim leader and Wisconsin business owner, says his 80-day ICE detention brought back painful memories of Israeli military prisons in Palestine. In his first interview since release, he described the ordeal as dehumanizing and retaliatory.

How ICE Detention Mirrored Palestinian Prison Experiences

Sarsour, a U.S. permanent resident for nearly three decades, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March 2025. He lost over 30 pounds during his confinement. The treatment by guards and the humiliation reminded him of his time in Israeli military custody as a young man in the West Bank. “They thought that by arresting me they would scare people fighting for justice for Palestinians, but it’s the opposite,” he said.

Key Details of the Case

A federal judge found that Sarsour was likely detained in retaliation for his Palestinian rights advocacy, making his detention unlawful. The Trump administration continues to seek his deportation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memo describing Sarsour as deportable because his actions “undermine U.S. foreign policy to combat antisemitism.”

Community Impact and Business Leadership

Sarsour is the president of Wisconsin’s largest mosque and owns several businesses in Milwaukee. He is a father of six U.S. citizens and a grandfather of nine, with a tenth on the way. His arrest came as he was traveling to visit his elderly mother. Despite the trauma, he remains committed to advocating for Palestinian rights.

What This Means for Immigrants and Activists

The case highlights the intersection of immigration enforcement and political advocacy. Sarsour believes his detention was meant to intimidate others. Instead, it galvanized support. “It brought back old memories of things that happened to me when I was tried in Palestine,” he said.

• Key Takeaway 1: ICE can detain permanent residents based on political speech, especially regarding Israel/Palestine.
• Key Takeaway 2: Federal judges may step in to protect due process when detention appears retaliatory.
• Key Takeaway 3: Community leaders face heightened scrutiny under administrations with strong foreign policy stances.
• Key Takeaway 4: The case underscores the trauma of long-term detention, mirroring experiences abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

This case serves as a reminder that immigration detention can be used as a political tool. For business owners and activists alike, understanding your rights is crucial. Stay informed with more updates on GrandGoldman.com.