UPDATE: British commentator Sami Hamdi has been released from ICE detention after spending 17 days in custody. The Trump administration confirmed this development, stating he poses no threat to national security. This urgent news comes as Hamdi had been detained since October 26, 2023, at San Francisco International Airport, where he was midway through a speaking tour addressing Palestinian rights.
Hamdi, a prominent pro-Palestinian voice, was apprehended following backlash from far-right figures. His family and the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) expressed relief at his release, which followed an agreement for him to leave the U.S. voluntarily.
The 68,000 Palestinians killed in the ongoing conflict have been a central theme in Hamdi’s speeches. Just before his detention, he had addressed an event in Sacramento, urging U.S. leaders to adopt an “America First” policy instead of prioritizing Israeli interests.
The controversy surrounding his detention was fueled by a report from far-right activists Laura Loomer and Amy Mekelburg, who alleged that Hamdi was involved in anti-American activities. Loomer, known for her conspiracy theories, has previously exerted considerable influence over policy discussions in the Trump administration.
The U.S. State Department revoked Hamdi’s visa two days after Mekelburg’s report, leading to his arrest by ICE. At the time, the administration claimed it had “no obligation to host foreigners who support terrorism.” Hamdi’s comments following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack were cited, although he later clarified that his remarks were misrepresented.
CAIR condemned Hamdi’s arrest as a violation of free speech. “Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell,” said Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR-CA. “His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians.”
This case raises significant concerns about the implications for free speech and the treatment of journalists in the U.S. Hamdi’s wife accused the pro-Israel organization Memri of editing a video to misrepresent her husband, further complicating the narrative surrounding his detention.
Authorities have emphasized that the only charge against Hamdi was a visa overstay, with no criminal conduct or security concerns identified. As Hamdi returns home, activists warn that this incident sends a chilling message to journalists and activist communities worldwide.
As this story develops, many are watching closely for the broader implications on press freedom and the treatment of dissenting voices in the U.S. The urgency surrounding Hamdi’s case highlights the ongoing tensions in the discourse about Palestine and Israel, and how quickly government actions can affect individual rights.
Stay tuned for more updates on this significant story.
