British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on October 24, 2025. This incident has drawn significant attention as it is reportedly linked to his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government. Hamdi was in the United States for a speaking tour, which included a recent address at a gala hosted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Sacramento, California.
According to federal officials, the decision to revoke Hamdi’s visa was made after reviewing his past and current statements regarding the Middle East. The senior U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that the comments made by Hamdi were a factor in his detention but did not specify which statements triggered the visa revocation. Hamdi, who is a Muslim, has often criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and has been vocal about issues affecting Palestinians.
CAIR Demands Immediate Release
CAIR, the largest Muslim advocacy organization in the United States, has called for Hamdi’s immediate release. They stated that he has not yet been deported and remains in custody pending further immigration proceedings. The group described the detention as an act of political censorship, asserting that Hamdi’s criticism of Israeli policies should be protected under the principles of free speech.
ICE confirmed that Hamdi entered the U.S. on a visitor visa on October 19, 2025. Following the visa revocation, ICE detained him, stating he was in the country illegally. The Department of Homeland Security’s spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, noted on social media that Hamdi’s visa was revoked due to his statements that the U.S. government deems supportive of terrorism and potentially harmful to American safety.
Political Context and Criticism of U.S. Policy
This incident is part of a broader trend under the Trump administration, which has intensified efforts to identify and possibly expel foreign nationals who are perceived to have fomented unrest or supported protests against U.S. policies regarding Israel. Critics of the administration argue that these actions infringe on constitutional protections related to freedom of speech, which apply to all individuals within the United States, regardless of citizenship.
Hamdi, 35, who is the managing director of The International Interest, a risk and intelligence consulting firm, has been noted for his critical stance on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. Following the outbreak of conflict on October 7, 2023, he faced accusations of praising Hamas’s attacks, which he vehemently denied, stating that he does not condone violence but rather discusses the consequences of oppression faced by Palestinians.
The British Foreign Office has acknowledged the situation, confirming that they are in contact with Hamdi’s family and are coordinating with local authorities regarding his detention.
Hamdi was expected to participate in a CAIR event in Florida shortly after his detention. As part of the administration’s efforts to enforce immigration policies, it has previously revoked visas for other public figures, including foreign diplomats and artists, signaling a broader scrutiny of individuals critical of U.S. foreign policy.
As this situation evolves, the implications for Hamdi’s case and the U.S. immigration policy regarding free expression remain significant points of discussion among civil rights advocates and international observers.
