British journalist and political analyst Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday, following the revocation of his visa by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The detention has sparked significant political controversy, with federal officials citing national security concerns and civil rights groups denouncing the move as a politically motivated act aimed at silencing dissent.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Hamdi’s visa was revoked before his arrival, and he was taken into ICE custody pending deportation. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), McLaughlin defended the action, asserting that under the Trump administration, “those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.” She credited Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for coordinating the decision.
The detention follows a campaign led by Amy Mekelburg, a right-wing U.S. activist and founder of the RAIR Foundation USA, who had publicly demanded Hamdi’s expulsion from the country. Mekelburg’s message was shared alongside DHS’s official post, suggesting coordination between government officials and conservative activists.
In response, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned Hamdi’s arrest, calling it “an injustice” and “an attack on free speech.” In an official statement, CAIR alleged that ICE agents had “abducted” the British Muslim journalist due to his outspoken criticism of Israeli government policies during his ongoing U.S. speaking tour. The organization argued that the detention was politically driven and violated fundamental democratic values. “Our nation must stop abducting critics of the Israeli government at the behest of unhinged Israel-first bigots,” the statement read. CAIR also confirmed that Hamdi remained in custody and had not yet been deported.
DHS officials, however, defended the decision on security grounds, alleging that Hamdi had “expressed support for terrorism.” Citing information from the RAIR Foundation USA, officials claimed Hamdi had previously made public remarks supporting the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and had “glorified” the actions of a U.S.-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. They argued that these statements rendered him inadmissible under Section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which bars entry to individuals engaged in or endorsing terrorist activity.
Further allegations from DHS sources suggest that Hamdi had participated in programs linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, and that his public appearances in the U.S. encouraged audiences to “challenge support for U.S. allies and weaponise elections.” ICE officials described his recent speaking engagements as part of a broader campaign “to further extremist agendas” within the United States.
Hamdi, a British citizen of Tunisian descent, is the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The International Interest, a London-based publication focused on political and economic analysis across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. He has also served as a regular contributor to Al Jazeera, BBC, TRT World, and Sky News, offering commentary on international relations, conflict, and governance. In addition to journalism, he heads a risk and intelligence consultancy that advises governments and corporations on geopolitical dynamics in volatile regions.
Born and educated in London, Hamdi graduated from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. His political worldview was shaped by his father, Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, a Tunisian dissident who fled persecution under the Ben Ali regime and became a noted figure in London’s exiled political circles. In previous interviews, Hamdi has described his work as motivated by the conviction that “nations are dominated not because others are powerful, but because they believe themselves powerless when they are not.”
As of now, ICE has not provided a timeline for Hamdi’s potential deportation. Civil liberties groups have demanded his immediate release, calling for congressional oversight into DHS’s actions and warning that his detention sets a dangerous precedent for journalists critical of U.S. foreign policy. The Department of State and White House have not commented publicly on the case, while the CIA declined to confirm or deny any involvement.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions over free expression and foreign policy debates in the U.S., particularly regarding Washington’s continued support for Israel. Hamdi’s detention has thus become emblematic of broader concerns that dissenting voices — especially those critical of American allies — are increasingly being targeted under the guise of national security.
