An unexpected turn came on Monday as British Muslim political commentator Sami Hamdi found himself in U.S. custody after agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him at San Francisco International Airport while he was on a speaking tour. According to a senior U.S. official, the detention was connected to comments Hamdi made regarding the Middle East. He had been on a visit visa and addressed the annual gala of the Sacramento chapter of Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) shortly before his detention.
CAIR responded publicly, saying, “ICE agents abducted British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi at San Francisco Airport, apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour.”
The senior official said Hamdi’s visa was revoked on October 24, 2025, after federal authorities reviewed his past and current statements. ICE confirmed Hamdi entered the United States on October 19 and is being held pending removal proceedings. The spokesman from the U.S. Department of State said the United States “has no obligation to host foreigners… whom the administration deems to support terrorism and actively undermine the safety of Americans.”
Hamdi, described on his LinkedIn profile as managing director of The International Interest, denied celebrating violence in connection with remarks about the October 7, 2023, attacks, stating, “No one is saying Oct. 7 was right. People are saying Oct. 7 was a natural consequence of the oppression that is being put on the Palestinians.”
Britain’s Foreign Office said it is in contact with Hamdi’s family and U.S. authorities. Meanwhile, CAIR has called for his immediate release.
