Sami HamdiA British journalist and political commentator, Sami Hamdi, has been detained by United States immigration authorities at San Francisco International Airport, prompting accusations that the move represents retaliation for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The journalist, who has been touring the United States to speak at events organised by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair), was taken into custody on Sunday morning. Cair described the detention as “a blatant affront to free speech” and alleged that Hamdi’s only offence was to criticise a foreign government. The organisation has called for his immediate release, stating that its legal team is working to challenge what it views as an unjust action.
In a statement, Cair said: “Our attorneys and partners are working to address this injustice. His only ‘crime’ is criticising a foreign government that has committed genocide.”
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that the journalist’s visa had been revoked.
Tricia McLaughlin, the department’s press secretary, wrote on social media: “This individual’s visa was revoked, and he is in ICE custody pending removal. Those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.”
Hamdi had spoken on Saturday at Cair’s annual gala in Sacramento, California, and was scheduled to appear at the organisation’s Florida chapter gala the following day. His detention has disrupted the speaking tour, which was intended to highlight concerns over US foreign policy and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The case has drawn further attention because of the involvement of Laura Loomer, a far-right activist and ally of the Trump administration. Loomer, who has previously described herself as a “white advocate” and a “proud Islamophobe”, claimed credit for Hamdi’s detention. In a social media post, she wrote: “As a direct result of my relentless pressure on the State Department and Department of Homeland Security, US officials have now moved to take action against Hamdi’s visa status, and his continued presence in this country.”
Loomer has long courted controversy, having promoted conspiracy theories including the claim that the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks were an “inside job”. In 2018, she chained herself to Twitter’s headquarters in New York after her account was banned. Her account was reinstated in 2022 following Elon Musk’s purchase of the platform.
Hamdi’s detention is the latest in a series of actions taken by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) against immigrants accused of holding pro-Palestinian views. Earlier this month, journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador after being detained while live-streaming an anti-Trump protest in Washington.
Civil liberties groups argue that such cases form part of a broader pattern of suppressing dissent. On 30 September, a federal judge appointed during Ronald Reagan’s presidency ruled that the administration’s policy of detaining and deporting foreign scholars over pro-Palestinian views was unconstitutional. The judge concluded that the policy was designed to “intentionally” chill free speech rights.
Despite the ruling, the State Department has indicated that it will continue revoking visas under the policy. The case is expected to be appealed, potentially reaching the Supreme Court, which currently holds a conservative majority following three appointments made during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Cair has urged the Biden administration to intervene, warning that the detention of Hamdi and others sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression in the United States. “This is not about immigration enforcement,” the organisation said. “This is about silencing voices critical of a foreign government.”
Hamdi, a frequent commentator on Middle Eastern politics, has written and spoken extensively on issues of democracy, governance, and foreign policy. His detention has sparked concern among journalists and human rights advocates, who argue that targeting foreign nationals for their political views undermines America’s longstanding commitment to free speech.
As legal proceedings continue, Hamdi remains in ICE custody pending deportation. His supporters insist that the case is emblematic of a broader erosion of civil liberties, while critics of the administration argue that the policy risks damaging the United States’ international reputation as a defender of democratic freedoms.
