U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have taken into custody the president of the largest mosque in Wisconsin, according to reports from Fox News, citing federal officials and the Department of Homeland Security.

The man, identified as Salah Salem Sarsour, was arrested in what authorities described as a targeted operation carried out with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Federal officials allege that Sarsour concealed a past criminal conviction tied to attacks against Israeli targets when applying for legal status in the United States, Fox News reports.

According to DHS, Sarsour had previously been convicted in Israel for throwing Molotov cocktails at homes associated with Israeli armed forces and attempting to obtain weapons. Officials further claim he later misrepresented or failed to disclose that history on immigration paperwork, allowing him to secure a green card and remain in the country.

Fox News reports that authorities now consider those alleged omissions grounds for detention and possible removal proceedings. DHS officials have also accused Sarsour of having suspected ties to extremist activity, though those claims are part of the government’s allegations and have not been independently adjudicated in a U.S. court.

Sarsour has reportedly lived in the United States for decades and rose to become a prominent figure within the Islamic Society of Milwaukee. Supporters, cited in Fox News coverage, argue that he has long been a lawful permanent resident and a respected member of the community.

The case has sparked backlash from local advocates and community members, who contend that the arrest is unjustified and politically motivated. They maintain that Sarsour has no criminal record in the United States and dispute the characterization of his past.

Despite that pushback, federal authorities have indicated that Sarsour will remain in ICE custody as legal proceedings move forward, Fox News reports.