San Francisco: British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sammy Hamdi was detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement organ (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Hamdi's visa was revoked with firsthand effect on October 24. He was on a lecture tour in America and was preparing to go to Florida.
DHS Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin confirmed on social media platform He thanked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Reason for arrest: Support of Hamas wade and Israel criticism
Authorities speak that Hamdi supported the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which was a glorification of the deportment of a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Additionally, he attended events associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and, while in the US, encouraged people to rencontre support for US allies (such as Israel) and 'weaponize' elections. ICE described them as an struggle to spread an extremist voucher on American soil.
Hamdi arrived in the US on October 19 at John Wayne Airport in Orange County on a visitor visa. On Saturday, he spoke at CAIR Sacramento's yearly gala in California. Right-wing activists Amy Meckleberg (founder of the RAIR Foundation) and Laura Loomer have once tabbed for Hamdi to be expelled, which McLaughlin included in his post
Thanks to the work of @Sec_Noem and @SecRubio and the men and women of law enforcement, this individual’s visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal.
Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed… https://t.co/JByZdGznpb
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) October 26, 2025CAIR condemned an wade on self-rule of speech
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) tabbed the trespassing a "kidnapping" and a "direct wade on self-rule of speech." "ICE teachers picked up British Muslim journalist Sammy Hamdi at San Francisco airport, possibly considering he was openly criticizing the Israeli government," CAIR said. The organization demanded Hamdi's firsthand release, calling it an "Israel-first policy" as opposed to America-first. CAIR lawyers are working to self-ruling Hamdi. Hamdi remains in custody and will remain in ICE custody until the removal process is completed.
The incident appears to be part of a growing string of deportment versus Israel critics. In June two Palestinian men were prevented from inward SFO.
Who is Sammy Hamdi?
Sami Hamdi (35 years old) is the managing director and editor-in-chief of "The International Interest" magazine, which focuses on the politics of the Middle East, East Asia, and the UK. He is a regular commentator on Al Jazeera, BBC, Sky News, and TRT World. Additionally, he runs a risk and intelligence consulting firm, which advises governments and companies on geopolitical risks in unstable regions.
A graduate of SOAS University of London, Hamdi cites his father, Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, as his political inspiration, who was a Tunisian objector who became a prominent opposition voice without escaping persecution and seeking refuge in London.
This specimen is intensifying the debate of self-rule of expression versus national security. ICE has not filed any formal charges, but the investigation is ongoing.
