British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Sunday while on a speaking tour in the United States, following the revocation of his visa over comments critical of Israel’s policies. The incident has sparked outrage from civil rights groups who decry it as an attack on free speech, while the Trump administration defends it as necessary for national security.
Hamdi, a 35-year-old British Muslim journalist and managing director of The International Interest, was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport. He had entered the U.S. on October 19 on a visitor visa and was in the midst of a speaking tour that included addresses to Muslim advocacy groups. On Saturday, he spoke at the annual gala for the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and he was scheduled to appear at another CAIR event in Florida on Sunday before his detention.
The U.S. State Department revoked Hamdi’s visa on Friday, citing his past statements on the Middle East. A senior U.S. official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the revocation was related to comments Hamdi has made, though specific remarks were not detailed. ICE stated that Hamdi was “illegally in the country” after the visa revocation and will be placed in immigration proceedings pending removal from the United States.
Hamdi is known for his critical views on Israel and the war in Gaza. In a 2023 speech following Hamas’s October 7 attack, he called on the audience to “celebrate the victory,” though he later clarified in a 2024 address that “no one is saying October 7 was right” and described it as a “natural consequence of oppression.” Critics have accused him of supporting terrorism, which he denies.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned Hamdi’s detention as a “blatant affront to free speech” and called for his immediate release. CAIR alleged that the action was retaliation for his criticism of Israel during his tour. Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya, reported that he has been held for over 24 hours without access to legal representation or consular assistance, raising concerns about his treatment.
The Trump administration has intensified efforts to identify and expel foreigners deemed to support protests against Israel or criticize U.S. policies. This case follows similar actions, such as the deportation of Salvadoran journalist Mario Guevara and visa revocations for other activists. Conservative activist Laura Loomer, who has ties to the administration, claimed credit for pressuring authorities to detain Hamdi, describing him as having “Islamic terror ties.”
Legal experts have raised alarms over these measures, with some judges criticizing them as violations of First Amendment rights. A federal judge recently issued a rebuke of the administration’s deportation practices, highlighting concerns about free speech protections. The UK Foreign Office is in contact with Hamdi’s family and local authorities, but his future remains uncertain as he faces potential deportation.
This detention underscores growing tensions over free speech and immigration enforcement in the U.S., with implications for international visitors and the broader discourse on Middle East policies. As Hamdi awaits proceedings, the case continues to draw international attention and debate over the balance between security and civil liberties.