Islamic Society of Milwaukee condemns ICE arrest of its president

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM) says its president, Salah Sarsour, was detained by ICE agents on Monday, March 30 after they followed him from his home and surrounded his vehicle.

He was transferred to an ICE facility in Broadview, Ill. and then to the Clay Detention Center near Terre Haute, Ind., according to ISM.

The Thursday, April 2 press release from ISM condemning the detention says that Sarsour is a lawful permanent resident who has lived in the Milwaukee area for more than 32 years. They also described him as a successful businessman with no criminal record who has served as the organization's volunteer president for the past five years.

The ISM's statement called the arrest politically motivated, saying Sarsour is being targeted for his advocacy for Palestine, and they are calling for his immediate release.

The Department of Homeland Security sent out a press release about the arrest, stating that Salah Sarsour is suspected of funding terror organizations and lying on immigration forums. 

The Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said in the release "Salah Salem Sarsour is a terrorist convicted for throwing Molotov cocktails at the homes of Israeli armed forces. This illegal alien from Jordan lied on his green card application to gain legal status in the U.S." 

The release goes on to state that Sarsour was first denied an immigrant visa at the American Consulate in Jerusalem, due to convictions in Israel for throwing a Molotov cocktail at the homes of Israeli armed forces and illegally attempting to possess weapons and ammunition. 

In 1993, he entered the U.S. under the Clinton administration as a conditional resident. He allegedly lied on his application to become a green card holder in 1998. 

He is to remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.