LOS ANGELES — British political commentator Sami Hamdi is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his detention at San Francisco International Airport on October 24, 2023. Federal officials indicated that the detention relates to remarks Hamdi has made regarding the Middle East.
Hamdi, who is Muslim, was in the United States for a speaking tour and had recently addressed the annual gala for the Sacramento chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The organization stated via social media that he was taken into custody “apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government.” This incident has ignited discussions around the U.S. government’s approach to foreign nationals who express dissenting views on its policies.
The detention is part of a broader trend under the Trump administration, which has intensified efforts to identify and potentially expel foreigners accused of encouraging unrest or supporting protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Critics have raised concerns that such actions infringe on constitutional protections for freedom of speech, which are applicable to all individuals within U.S. borders, not solely American citizens.
Hamdi’s visa was reportedly revoked shortly before his detention, following a review of his statements related to the Middle East. A senior U.S. official confirmed that Hamdi was traveling on a visitor visa and not under the Visa Waiver Program, which he may have qualified for as a British citizen. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, did not disclose the specific comments that triggered the visa revocation or explain the delay in locating and detaining him.
Calls for Immediate Release
CAIR has called for Hamdi’s immediate release, emphasizing that he remains in U.S. custody and has not yet been deported. The organization has expressed concerns over the implications of his detention for freedom of expression. Hamdi, 35, is the managing director of The International Interest, a risk and intelligence consulting firm, though the company has not yet commented on the situation.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed on social media that Hamdi’s “visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal.” ICE later stated that Hamdi entered the U.S. on October 19, 2023, and that his visa was revoked on October 24, 2023, due to alleged illegal presence in the country.
In response to inquiries about the specifics of Hamdi’s case, the Department of Homeland Security directed attention to a statement from the State Department. This statement did not detail Hamdi’s actions but highlighted the U.S. government’s authority to deny entry to individuals deemed to support terrorism or undermine the safety of Americans.
Critics have claimed that Hamdi made comments praising Hamas’ actions in a video shortly after the conflict in Gaza escalated, which he has denied. He clarified that he was not endorsing violence but rather discussing the conditions that led to the conflict.
International Reactions and Broader Context
The British Foreign Office has confirmed that it is in contact with Hamdi’s family and is liaising with local authorities regarding his detention. Hamdi was scheduled to participate in another CAIR event in Florida shortly before his arrest, highlighting the significant impact of this incident on his advocacy efforts.
This incident is not isolated; the U.S. administration has taken similar actions against other figures, including expelling South Africa’s ambassador for criticism of President Donald Trump and revoking visas for foreign nationals who have publicly opposed U.S. policies. The administration is also conducting reviews of over 55 million current U.S. visa holders for potential violations of its standards.
As the situation unfolds, advocates for free speech and civil rights are closely monitoring developments surrounding Hamdi’s case, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to constitutional protections for all individuals within the United States.
