Camilla Jessen
U.S. immigration officials detained British political commentator Sami Hamdi in San Francisco.
British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Hamdi, who is known for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, was in the United States on a speaking tour when he was taken into custody.
CAIR denounced the detention as a “blatant defiance of free speech” and claimed Hamdi is being punished solely for his political views.
“He faces deportation for no other reason than criticizing a foreign government, which we accuse of genocide,” CAIR said, vowing legal support.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Hamdi’s visa has been revoked. In a statement posted online, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said: “Those who support terrorism and undermine the national security of the United States will not be authorized to work or visit this country.”
Trump ally takes credit
Controversial right-wing activist Laura Loomer, a known Trump ally, claimed she was responsible for alerting officials to Hamdi’s presence in the U.S. Loomer, who has described herself as a “proud Islamophobe”, said on social media:
“As a direct result of my relentless pressure… U.S. officials have now acted against Hamdi’s visa status.”
Loomer has previously gained attention for promoting conspiracy theories and protesting tech companies for banning her content.
Prior comments under scrutiny
According to The Times of Israel and MEMRI, Hamdi drew criticism in 2023 after referencing the October 7 Hamas attacks, in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 taken hostage.
At a public event, he allegedly asked the audience, “How many of you felt euphoria?” — remarks that critics say celebrate terrorism.
Broader pattern emerging
Hamdi’s detention is the latest in a growing list of cases where foreign nationals have faced visa revocations or deportation for pro-Palestinian views.
In October, journalist Mario Guevara was deported after live-streaming an anti-Trump protest.
In September, a federal judge ruled that detaining and deporting foreign nationals over political speech violated the U.S. Constitution, calling the policy an attempt to “intentionally discourage” dissent.
Meanwhile, the State Department maintains that it will continue revoking visas deemed harmful to U.S. interests.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
