British Journalist Sami Hamdi Detained by ICE at San Francisco Airport, Visa Revoked Citing National Security

San Francisco, CA – British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday, October 26, 2025. His visa was subsequently revoked, and he remains in custody pending removal, according to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the detention as an "abduction" and a "blatant affront to free speech," attributing it to Hamdi's vocal criticism of the Israeli government.

Mr. Hamdi was on a speaking tour in the United States, having addressed a CAIR gala in Sacramento the day prior to his detention and was scheduled for another event in Florida. CAIR National stated, "We can confirm that Mr. Hamdi has not been deported and remains in custody. Our attorneys and partners are working to address this injustice." The organization further asserted that the detention was "apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour."

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the detention on X, stating, "This individual’s visa was revoked, and he is in ICE custody pending removal." McLaughlin added, "Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country." Far-right activist Laura Loomer publicly claimed credit for Hamdi’s arrest, alleging he was a "supporter of HAMAS and the Muslim Brotherhood" and a "major National security threat."

Hamdi, who serves as the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The International Interest, a publication analyzing global politics, is known for his critical commentary on U.S. and Israeli policies. His father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, a Tunisian political activist, stated his son "has no affiliation" with any political or religious group, and his stance on Palestine aligns with "the people’s right to security, peace, freedom and dignity." CAIR National characterized the action as an "Israel First policy, not an America First policy, and it must end."

The incident has sparked concerns among civil rights advocates regarding freedom of expression and the potential for political retaliation against critics of foreign governments. CAIR intends to challenge the deportation order, warning that such actions send a "chilling message to Muslim and Palestinian speakers across the country." The UK Foreign Office has been urged by Hamdi's friends to seek urgent clarification from U.S. authorities regarding the grounds for his detention.