US immigration authorities detained British political commentator Sami Hamdi on Sunday, revoking his visa and ordering his deportation, which abruptly ended his national speaking tour. The move has sparked accusations from civil rights groups that it was motivated by his criticism of Israel, raising concerns about free speech and immigration enforcement.
Sami Hamdi, a prominent British journalist and managing director of the International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on October 26, 2025. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his detention and the revocation of his visa, stating he would be deported rather than allowed to continue his speaking engagements. Hamdi had just delivered a speech at a gala for the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Sacramento, California, and was scheduled to speak at another CAIR event in Florida when he was intercepted.
Hamdi is well-known in British media circles, having frequently appeared as an analyst on television networks like Sky News, where he discussed Middle Eastern politics and global affairs. His US speaking tour, organized in part by CAIR, focused on topics including the Israel-Gaza conflict, and he has been vocal in criticizing the Israeli government’s actions, which he and others have described as genocide. The tour aimed to engage American audiences on international issues, but was cut short by his detention.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media platform X that “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.” She confirmed that Hamdi’s visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal. In response, CAIR condemned the action, with deputy director Edward Ahmed Mitchell calling it an “abduction” and a “blatant affront to free speech,” alleging that Hamdi was targeted solely for his political views.
The detention followed public pressure from conservative activists, including Laura Loomer, who claimed credit for urging the Trump administration to expel Hamdi. This incident is part of a broader immigration crackdown under the administration, which since January 2025 has included increased social media vetting and visa revocations for individuals accused of supporting terrorism or criticizing US allies, particularly Israel. These measures have previously affected student visa and green card holders who expressed support for Palestinians.
Broader context includes the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began after Hamas’s attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction, with a UN commission of inquiry recently assessing that Israel committed genocide, though Israel denies the allegation. Hamdi’s commentary has often highlighted these issues, contributing to the controversy surrounding his detention.
As Hamdi remains in ICE custody, CAIR and other advocates are calling for his release, emphasizing potential diplomatic implications with the United Kingdom. The case underscores tensions between national security priorities and free speech protections for foreign visitors, and it may influence future US immigration policies and international perceptions of American commitment to civil liberties. What happens next will likely involve legal challenges and continued advocacy, with implications for how political speech is treated in immigration enforcement.