US ICE Detains British Journalist Sami Hamdi for Criticizing Israel and Supporting Palestinian Resistance

British journalist Sami Hamdi, editor-in-chief of The International Interest, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport after his visa was revoked during a U.S. speaking tour.

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Al Jazeera

U.S. agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the State Department, allege he supports terrorism and poses a national security threat.

Al Jazeera

Civil rights groups condemn the detention as political retaliation for his outspoken criticism of Israel and U.S. support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Hamdi’s stop came shortly after appearances at Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) events, drawing sharp responses from press freedom organizations and advocates.

These groups say no evidence has been presented to substantiate the terrorism claims.

Multiple outlets report that right-wing and pro-Israel activists played a role in the episode.

Laura Loomer publicly claimed credit for alerting officials.

Hindustan Times

Some sources allege coordinated pressure campaigns.

Others stress an official review of Hamdi’s statements.

Daily Mail reports claims that Hamdi praised the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Baller Alert notes Hamdi denied endorsing violence, framing the attacks as a consequence of Palestinian oppression.

Newsweek and Dagens add that allegations include links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The case reflects a broader, contentious mix of national security and speech issues.

Civil liberties groups, journalists’ unions, and political figures in the UK condemned the detention as an attack on free expression and press freedom.

“British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by U”

International Business Times UK

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) warned that using anti-terror legislation without evidence sets a dangerous precedent.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) vowed to provide legal support.

5Pillars reported that four Muslim independent MPs and Jeremy Corbyn urged urgent intervention from the UK government.

Gallinews relayed concerns over press freedom and political expression related to Middle East issues.

Evrim Ağacı highlighted a polarized debate where supporters call the detention politically motivated, while some officials defend it as necessary for national security.

Political framing diverges sharply by outlet and source type.

West Asian and Asian sources often connect the case to pressure from pro-Israel actors and U.S. policy toward Israel.

Evrim Ağacı

The Star cites accusations of an “Israel First” policy.

PressTV attributes the action to pro-Israel pressure.

Middle East Monitor and Indian Express report critics tying the detention to the Trump administration’s posture.

Daily Mail frames it within a broader deportation effort targeting foreigners who publicly support positions around the Gaza conflict.

Baller Alert adds that the British Foreign Office is engaged with U.S. officials, underscoring diplomatic concerns.

Key facts remain unsettled regarding Hamdi's situation.

“British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by U”

Maktoob Media

Several outlets agree Hamdi is in ICE custody pending removal, but the timing of any deportation is unknown.

Maktoob Media

Some reports conflict on the timeline: IFJ dates the detention to October 26, 2024, while Baller Alert cites a visa revocation on October 24, 2025.

Although DHS confirmed visa cancellation, Gallinews notes reasons were not disclosed.

Other sources highlight national-security allegations as a possible cause.

Meanwhile, CAIR and allied lawyers continue legal efforts as UK politicians press for intervention.