US detains British commentator during speaking tour, apparently over anti-Israel comments
Sami Hamdi held by ICE, has visa revoked ahead of deportation; CAIR claims Hamdi, who previously called to celebrate ‘victory’ of Oct. 7, is held for criticizing Israeli government
US immigration authorities have detained British commentator Sami Hamdi, revoked his visa and said he would be deported rather than allowed to complete his speaking tour in the United States, a US Department of Homeland Security official said Sunday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has Hamdi in custody, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media site X. “Under President [Donald] Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” she wrote.
Conservative figures had been urging the Trump administration to expel Hamdi from the United States.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for Hamdi’s release and said he was detained at San Francisco International Airport “apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour.”
Hamdi spoke at a gala for the Council on American Islamic Relations in Sacramento, California on Saturday and was scheduled to speak on Sunday at one of the group’s events in Florida, the organization said in a statement.
It was unclear if Hamdi had made any specific comments that led to his detention.
According to MEMRI, in December 2023, Hamdi called to “celebrate the victory” of October 7 and asked his audience “how many of you felt euphoria” when they heard of the Hamas onslaught in which terrorists killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
Hamdi has appeared as an analyst and commentator on British TV networks.
Reuters was unable to reach Hamdi.
CAIR’s deputy director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, said Hamdi had previously denied supporting Islamic terrorists and that the organization’s lawyers had been unable to reach him by Sunday evening.
“Abducting a prominent British Muslim journalist and political commentator on a speaking tour in the United States because he dared to criticize the Israeli government’s genocide is a blatant affront to free speech,” CAIR said in a statement.
Conservative activist Laura Loomer on Sunday took credit for Hamdi’s arrest.
Since January, the Trump administration has pursued a sweeping crackdown on immigration, including increasing social media vetting, revoking visas for people it claims praised the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and deporting student visa and green card holders who have voiced support for Palestinians and criticized Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war against Hamas.
The Times of Israel Community.