Palestinian activist can be deported to West Bank on foreign policy grounds

Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today. Join today Already a member? Log in Palestinian activist can be deported to West Bank on foreign policy grounds Cybele Mayes-Osterman Wednesday 30 September 2026 16:14 BST Bookmark popover Removed from bookmarks Close popover Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after midair fight between the pilots An immigration judge has ruled that Salah Sarsour, leader of Wisconsin 's largest mosque, can be deported as a national security threat based on past convictions in Israel . Sarsour, a Palestinian rights advocate residing in the U.S. since 1993 with no domestic criminal record, maintains his confessions in Israel were coerced under torture. A federal judge previously ordered Sarsour released from custody, finding he raised a substantial claim that the Trump administration retaliated against his free speech. Sarsour described the deportation order as deeply disappointing and stated that being sent back to the West Bank would mean the end of his life. Sarsour's legal team plans to appeal the decision within 30 days, arguing he faces a high risk of torture if deported to Israeli-controlled territory. In full Palestinian-born mosque leader can be deported from US on foreign policy grounds, judge rules