US Immigration Officials Detain British Journalist After Criticism Of Israel

Last Updated:October 27, 2025, 18:45 IST

US detained British journalist Sami Hamdi at SF airport, revoked his visa, and plan to deport him after his CAIR speech, sparking free speech concerns.

British journalist Sami Hamdi (Amy Mek/X)

US immigration authorities have detained British journalist Sami Hamdi at San Francisco international airport, revoked his visa and said he would be deported.

In a post on X, Immigration and Customs Enforcement has Hamdi in custody, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, said: “This individual’s visa was revoked, and he is in ICE custody pending removal.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 to work or visit this country."

Hamdi’s arrest came after his speech at a gala for the Council on American Islamic Relations in Sacramento, California on Saturday. He was scheduled to speak on Sunday at one of the group’s events in Florida.

According to The Guardian, Hamdi is the latest of numerous immigrants who have been arrested and deported by ICE over pro-Palestinian views.

Following Hamdi’s arrest, CAIR in a statement said: “Abducting a prominent British Muslim journalist and political commentator on a speaking tour in the United States because he dared to criticise the Israeli government’s genocide is a blatant affront to free speech."

Since taking office in this term, the Trump administration has continued a sweeping crackdown on immigrants such as increasing social media vetting, revoking visas of people who allegedly lauded the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, deporting student visa and green card holders who supported Palestinians and criticised Israel during the war.

On September 30, a federal judge appointed during the Ronald Reagan’s presidency ruled the Trump administration’s policy to detain and deport over their pro-Palestinian views violated the US constitution and was designed to “intentionally" curb free speech rights.

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is drawing up plans for a shake-up at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with officials looking to replace several senior leaders in field offices across the country.

Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman, said: “The president’s entire team is working in lock step to implement the president’s policy agenda, and the tremendous results from securing the border to deporting criminal illegal aliens speak for themselves."

News world US Immigration Officials Detain British Journalist After Criticism Of Israel

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