On Sunday, October 26, 2025, British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport, thrusting the complex intersection of free speech, immigration law, and Middle East politics into the national spotlight. Hamdi, a frequent critic of Israeli policy and a familiar face on international news programs, was in the midst of a speaking tour organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) when federal authorities took him into custody. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Hamdi’s visa had been revoked and that he was being held pending removal from the United States.
Hamdi’s arrest comes amid a wave of deportations under the Trump administration that civil rights groups say disproportionately target pro-Palestinian activists and critics of Israel. The move has sparked heated debate about the boundaries of political speech in America, especially when it collides with national security concerns and the fraught politics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
CAIR, the country’s most prominent Muslim civil rights organization, immediately condemned Hamdi’s detention. In a statement, CAIR said, “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 a blatant affront to free speech.” The group added, “Our nation must stop abducting critics of the Israeli government at the behest of unhinged Israel First bigots. This is an Israel First policy, not an America First policy, and it must end.”
According to The Forward, Hamdi had just spoken at CAIR’s annual gala on Saturday, October 25, and was scheduled for another event in Florida on Sunday. He is the founder and managing director of the International Interest, a consultancy that advises on geopolitical environments and risks around the globe, and has appeared as a commentator on Britain’s Sky News and other outlets, often weighing in on Middle Eastern issues.
Hamdi’s detainment is closely linked to his public statements following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Days after the attack, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and saw about 250 people taken hostage to Gaza, Hamdi addressed a crowd at a mosque and Islamic community center in London. He urged the audience to “celebrate the victory,” declaring, “How many of you felt the euphoria?” and describing the attack as “a huge victory” that ended decades of Palestinian despair. He further told the crowd, “We are pitying a people who brought a huge victory since 1948. Don’t pity them, they don’t want your pity. Celebrate the victory.” Hamdi also reportedly claimed, according to The Telegraph, that Israel’s accusations of sexual violence committed by Hamas were false.
The aftermath of the October 7 attacks has been catastrophic for both sides. The Israeli response has resulted in an estimated 67,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, as reported by The Forward. The ongoing conflict has fueled passionate debate and activism worldwide, often spilling over into the politics of countries far from the Middle East.
Federal officials have pointed to security concerns as justification for Hamdi’s detention. Tricia McLaughlin, press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.” DHS Assistant Secretary McLaughlin reiterated this stance, stating, “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. It’s common sense.”
The legal foundation for Hamdi’s removal is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, a law passed during the McCarthy era. The statute permits the government to deport individuals whom the Secretary of State “has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” While the law is intended for exceptional cases—such as when a person’s presence could spark diplomatic turmoil—critics argue it is increasingly being used to silence political speech, particularly when it comes to pro-Palestinian advocacy.
Hamdi’s critics, especially on the political right, have been vocal in supporting his detention. Laura Loomer, a Jewish right-wing political activist and far-right influencer, took credit for Hamdi’s arrest, stating, “I demanded that federal authorities inside the Trump administration treat Hamdi as the major national security threat that he is and I reported Sami Hamdi to federal immigration authorities over his documented support for Islamic terrorism.” Loomer’s celebration of the arrest was echoed by others who believe that the U.S. has no obligation to host foreigners who, in their view, support terrorism or threaten American safety. The State Department reinforced this stance on social media, posting, “We continue to revoke the visas of persons engaged in such activity.”
Not everyone agrees with the administration’s approach. Civil rights organizations and legal scholars have raised concerns about the broader implications for free speech and the rights of non-citizens in the U.S. Some argue that deporting individuals for their political views—even if those views are deeply unpopular or inflammatory—sets a dangerous precedent. According to The Forward, some legal experts contend that the 1952 law was not designed to target people for their rhetoric, but rather to address legitimate diplomatic crises.
CAIR’s statement highlighted what it sees as a worrying trend: “This is an Israel First policy, not an America First policy, and it must end.” The organization maintains that Hamdi’s detention is less about national security and more about silencing criticism of Israel, a charge that resonates with many in the pro-Palestinian community but is hotly contested by those who see Hamdi’s remarks as crossing the line into support for terrorism.
Hamdi’s own career has been shaped by controversy. As the founder of the International Interest, he has built a platform as a geopolitical advisor and commentator, often challenging Western narratives about the Middle East. His outspoken style has made him a sought-after guest for media outlets, but also a lightning rod for criticism, especially after his remarks following the October 7 attacks.
The debate over Hamdi’s detention is emblematic of the broader struggle over free expression, national security, and the limits of dissent in a polarized America. As the case unfolds, it will test not only the boundaries of U.S. immigration law but also the nation’s commitment to protecting speech—even when that speech is provocative or deeply unpopular.
For now, Sami Hamdi remains in ICE custody, his fate uncertain. The controversy surrounding his arrest has galvanized supporters and critics alike, ensuring that the conversation about free speech, political activism, and America’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will only intensify in the days ahead.
