STATEMENT ON THE DETENTION OF ISM PRESIDENT SALAH SARSOUR (April 2, 2026)

STATEMENT ON THE DETENTION OF ISM PRESIDENT SALAH SARSOUR

(April 2, 2026)

The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee expresses deep concern regarding the detention of Mr. Salah Sarsour, President of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee (ISM), by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on Monday, March 30, outside of his home in Milwaukee. No public explanation has been provided for his detention, and his family has had difficulty obtaining information about his status and location from the government. Mr. Sarsour has been a legal resident of the greater Milwaukee community for over 32 years and has served as a prominent leader in the ISM.

We call on the federal government to uphold the transparency that should accompany any proceeding that deprives a legal U.S. resident of his freedom. Furthermore, we urge the government to ensure that Mr. Sarsour's due process rights are respected and to release him to his family and community prior to any court proceedings. We also call on federal, state, and local government officials to leverage their positions to hold the federal government accountable for Mr. Sarsour's rights and welfare.

In January of this year, the Interfaith Conference issued a statement on “Immigration, Asylum and the Right to Peaceably Assemble,” which included the following:

We also call for our society to respect the values upon which it was founded, whether from our individual religious traditions or the guiding documents of this country. The rights of all people, including neighbors, immigrants, and asylum-seekers, to humanitarian treatment is explicit in our national foundation and our international treaty obligations.

Every religious tradition contains a version of “The Golden Rule.” Whether articulated as “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor,” (Jewish), “Do to others as you would have them do to you,” (Christian), or “Love for mankind what you love for yourself,” (Muslim), this principle affirms our duty to treat others with respect.

At a time when we have just celebrated Ramadan for Muslims, are currently observing Passover for Jews, and are in the midst of Holy Week for Christians, we offer our prayers for Mr. Sarsour and all others who are detained. We hope that the values of mercy, justice, and compassion will guide the actions of our elected officials and law enforcement.

None of us stands alone.  All of us are loved.  No one has rights if the rights of any are in question.

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Founded in 1970, the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee is a nonprofit organization of 22 member faiths and denominations, whose mission is to build relationships among people of faith to promote greater understanding, dignity, and respect, and to advocate for the inclusion and acceptance of all. For a list of member organizations and more information about the Conference, it mission, vision, values and work, please go to www.interfaithconference.org