United States federal authorities have detained British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned this action as an “abduction” and a “blatant affront to free speech.”
Hamdi, who serves as editor-in-chief of The International Interest—a publication centered on Middle East geopolitics—was taken into custody by agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco Airport on Sunday. His detention occurred shortly after he spoke at a CAIR gala in Sacramento, where he criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. He was also scheduled to speak at a CAIR event in Florida the following day.
CAIR has alleged that Hamdi’s detainment is the product of a coordinated “far-right, Israel First campaign,” suggesting that U.S. authorities are targeting those who critique Israel. “Our nation must stop abducting critics of the Israeli government at the behest of unhinged Israel First bigots,” the organization stated. “This is an Israel First policy, not an America First policy, and it must end.”
Hamdi’s father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, emphasized via X that his son holds “no affiliation with any political or religious group” and clarified that Hamdi’s stance on Palestine is rooted in advocating for security, peace, freedom, and dignity for the people.
As of now, Hamdi remains in U.S. custody and has not been deported. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed his detention, alleging that Hamdi posed a “national security threat.” McLaughlin claimed his visa was revoked and that he was being held “pending removal.” This assertion has been met with skepticism from civil rights advocates and supporters, who deem the detention an act of political retaliation aimed at suppressing Muslim and pro-Palestine voices in the U.S.
The Muslim Council of Britain has urged the U.K. government to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure Hamdi’s release from ICE detention, stressing that “press freedom cannot be selective,” and that the government must defend British citizens’ rights to speak out.
Hamdi, a 35-year-old graduate of SOAS University of London, has a history of pro-Palestinian activism and vocal criticism of U.S. and Israeli policies. Far-right activist Laura Loomer, known for her anti-Islam sentiments, has publicly taken credit for Hamdi’s detention, asserting she reported him to DHS and the State Department. Loomer hailed the action on X, calling it a direct result of her persistent pressure on U.S. authorities and propagated anti-Muslim conspiracy theories linking Hamdi to terrorism.
The RAIR Foundation USA, a pro-Israel organization founded by Amy Mek, has also contributed to the campaign against Hamdi, branding him a “national security threat” and alleging he has been involved in subversive activities. An article published by the group on October 22 accused Hamdi of promoting damaging ideologies aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood and urged for his deportation alongside a permanent ban on his re-entry to the U.S.
The situation regarding Sami Hamdi remains fluid, reflecting broader tensions involving freedom of speech, political dissent, and geopolitical stances.
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