Milwaukee Furniture Store Owner Accused of Hamas Ties Detained by ICE

Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, faces allegations of funding Hamas through his furniture business and non-profit involvement.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:26am

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Salah Sarsour, a 53-year-old Jordanian national who has lived in Milwaukee for decades, was detained by ICE this week on allegations that he lied on his immigration application and has ties to the Hamas terrorist organization. Sarsour, who owns several furniture stores in the Milwaukee area, has been accused of funneling money to Hamas through his business and involvement with various pro-Palestinian non-profit groups. His supporters claim he is being targeted for his political views, while authorities say he is a 'terrorist' who once threw a Molotov cocktail at Israeli forces.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing tensions between pro-Palestinian activists and law enforcement over allegations of Hamas fundraising and support in the U.S. Sarsour's detention has sparked outrage from local Democratic politicians, but authorities argue he poses a threat to public safety due to his criminal history and suspected terror ties.

The details

Sarsour was first arrested in Israel in 1994 for allegedly sheltering and providing a weapon to a Hamas militant. His brother, Jamil Sarsour, later told Israeli authorities that he and Salah used their Milwaukee furniture store's bank account to pass money to Adel Awadallah, a leader of Hamas's armed wing. Salah Sarsour has also been linked to various non-profit groups accused of providing material support to Hamas, including the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) organization on whose board he sits.

  • In 1994, Salah Sarsour was arrested and imprisoned in Israel for engaging in activities supporting Hamas.
  • In 1998, Salah's brother Jamil Sarsour was arrested at the Tel Aviv airport and charged with aiding Hamas. He later pled guilty to those charges.
  • In 2001, an FBI memo described Jamil Sarsour's statements about his brother Salah's involvement with Hamas and fundraising activities for the Holy Land Foundation.
  • In 2023, the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Accountability sent a letter alleging AMP has ties to Hamas through its financial sponsor, the Americans for Justice in Palestine Educational Foundation.
  • This week, Salah Sarsour was detained by ICE on allegations that he lied on his immigration application and has ties to Hamas.

The players

Salah Sarsour

A 53-year-old Jordanian national who has lived in Milwaukee for decades, owns several furniture stores, and serves on the board of the American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) organization. He has been accused of funneling money to Hamas through his business and non-profit involvement.

Jamil Sarsour

Salah Sarsour's brother, who was arrested in Israel in 1998 and charged with aiding Hamas. He later told Israeli authorities that he and Salah used their Milwaukee furniture store's bank account to pass money to a Hamas military leader.

Adel Awadallah

A high-ranking Hamas military leader who was responsible for facilitating several deadly terrorist attacks in Israel. Jamil Sarsour admitted to passing money to Awadallah on behalf of himself and his brother Salah.

American Muslims for Palestine (AMP)

A non-profit organization on whose board Salah Sarsour sits. AMP has been accused of having ties to Hamas and providing material support to the terrorist group.

Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development (HLF)

A Texas-based charity that was shut down by federal authorities in 2001 for providing millions of dollars in funding to Hamas. Salah and Jamil Sarsour have been accused of funneling money to HLF on behalf of Hamas.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.