New Delhi: British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by US immigration authorities on Sunday. His visa was revoked and the plan for deportation was announced that led to the ending of his speaking tour in the United States. Hamdi, a frequent analyst on British television networks, was reportedly taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport while travelling to a speaking engagement in Florida.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed the detention on social media, stating, “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.” Hamdi had spoken the previous day at a gala organised by the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Sacramento, California.
CAIR slams Hamdi detention as free speech violation
Conservative activist Laura Loomer publicly took credit for Hamdi’s detention. This incident is a part of a broader US immigration crackdown under the Trump administration. It has targeted individuals accused of praising acts of violence or voicing support for Palestinians in the context of the ongoing Gaza conflict. The administration has also scrutinized social media activity in its visa and immigration decisions.
CAIR strongly condemned Hamdi’s detention, describing it as a “blatant affront to free speech” and claiming the arrest was motivated by his criticism of Israel. “Abducting a prominent British Muslim journalist and political commentator on a speaking tour in the United States because he dared to criticize the Israeli government’s genocide is unacceptable,” the organisation said in a statement.
Hamdi detained amid Gaza crisis
Hamdi’s detention comes amid heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza. It was launched in response to attacks by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023.
The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties in Palestine and extensive destruction across Gaza. Israel asserts that its military operations target Hamas militants and take measures to avoid civilian casualties, a UN commission of inquiry last month concluded that Israeli actions may constitute genocide. Israel has denied the allegations.