British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday.

The detention occurred during his ongoing speaking tour organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), raising alarms over the influence of pro-Israeli lobbying groups.

Hamdi had entered the US legally on October 19 to participate in events addressing US foreign policy and the Israeli war on Gaza. He had recently spoken at CAIR's annual gala in Sacramento and was scheduled to speak at another event in Florida. On October 24, he was informed that his visa had been revoked, and ICE agents detained him upon his arrival at San Francisco International Airport.

DHS says Hamdi is a national security threat

US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Hamdi's detention, stating that he posed a national security threat.

"This individual's visa was revoked, and he is in ICE custody pending removal," McLaughlin wrote on X.

Thanks to the work of @Sec_Noem and @SecRubio and the men and women of law enforcement, this individual’s visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal.

Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed… https://t.co/JByZdGznpb

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) October 26, 2025

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Reactions from Civil Rights Groups

Friends of Hamdi and civil rights organizations have condemned the detention as an infringement on free speech. A statement from his supporters described the arrest as "a deeply troubling precedent for freedom of expression and the safety of British citizens abroad."

They called for the United Kingdom Foreign Office to demand urgent clarification from US authorities regarding the grounds for Hamdi's detention.

CAIR criticized pro-Israeli lobbying groups' influence on US authorities that led to Hamdi's arrest. In a statement, CAIR accused "unhinged Israel First bigots" of pressuring the US government to detain Hamdi, labeling the action as an "Israel First policy, not an America First policy."

Hamdi's father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, expressed concern over his son's detention, stating that Sami "has no affiliation with any political or religious group." He emphasized that his son's stance on Palestine is centered on the people's right to security, peace, freedom, and dignity, describing him as "one of the young dreamers of this generation, yearning for a world with more compassion, justice, and solidarity."

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