Key facts
- American activist Fergie Chambers was arrested in Ibiza, Spain, on Friday.
- The arrest is based on a US extradition request alleging money laundering and other offenses.
- Chambers is accused of conspiring to disrupt operations of Elbit Systems, a supplier to Israel's military.
- Prosecutors allege Chambers transferred approximately $7.5 million out of the US to provide material support to Hamas.
- Chambers is described as the founder and principal financial supporter of Unity of Fields, formerly Palestine Action US.
- Chambers faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment if convicted of international money laundering.
American activist Fergie Chambers, an heir to the Cox family fortune known for financing pro-Palestinian groups, was arrested in Ibiza, Spain, on Friday. The arrest stems from a US extradition request that includes charges of international money laundering, riot, and conspiracy to riot.
According to the US indictment, prosecutors allege Chambers conspired to disrupt the operations of Elbit Systems of America, a supplier to Israel's military, between October 2023 and April 2025. They also claim he transferred approximately $7.5 million out of the United States after leaving the country in 2023 to provide material support to Hamas. Chambers is identified as the founder and principal financial supporter of Unity of Fields, formerly known as Palestine Action US.
Prosecutors cite evidence including the alleged purchase of smoke bombs, U-locks, chains, and paint for protests. A YouTube interview from October 2023, where Chambers expressed his intent to "shut down Elbit centres," is also referenced.
Chambers' associates have denounced the arrest as "politically motivated" and "an overt act of political repression by the Trump administration against a supporter of Palestinian human rights." They stated the extradition is part of a broader campaign to suppress movements for emancipation and liberation, particularly those expressing solidarity with formerly colonized peoples.
Chambers has described himself as supporting "anti-colonial resistance and the self-determination of all peoples." He previously provided financial support, including legal fees and bail, for Palestine Action activists involved in direct action against Elbit Systems.
In the UK, Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July 2025, a move criticized by human rights groups like Amnesty International as criminalizing peaceful protest. Since the ban, over 3,300 people have been arrested for expressing support for the group. In June, four Palestine Action activists received prison sentences for damage to an Elbit Systems factory, with a judge ruling the act had a "terrorist connection."
Chambers, who identifies as a Marxist-Leninist, has also been active in domestic US movements, including protests against Atlanta's Public Safety Training Centre ("Cop City") and the Black Lives Matter protests following the 2014 killing of Michael Brown. He also participated in the Standing Rock protests in 2017.
Chambers remains in custody on Ibiza, with reports indicating difficult jail conditions. The case is being handled by Spain's Audiencia Nacional, which deals with international extradition requests. The US Department of Justice has also been contacted for comment.