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US authorities arrest British journalist Sami Hamdi
(MENAFN) British journalist and media commentator Sami Hamdi, known for his outspoken criticism of Israel, has been arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Hamdi was detained over the weekend during a speaking tour in the United States, and his visa was revoked, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). He remains in ICE custody pending removal from the country.
US authorities, including the State Department and DHS, allege that Hamdi supports terrorism and poses a national security threat. However, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights group, contends that Hamdi is being politically targeted for his speech and advocacy.
"We've said it before, we'll say it again: The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who support terrorism and actively undermine the safety of Americans," the State Department stated, adding that it will continue revoking visas of individuals involved in such activities. DHS, ICE, and the State Department did not provide evidence to a news outlet regarding Hamdi’s alleged support for terrorism.
CAIR criticized the detention, claiming Hamdi was arrested "apparently because of his criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza." Hamdi had spoken at CAIR Sacramento's annual gala on Saturday and was scheduled to appear at CAIR Florida’s gala on Sunday. CAIR called for his immediate release, stating that its lawyers were working to address the “injustice.”
The arrest followed social media posts by far-right activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer, accusing Hamdi of supporting terrorist organizations. CAIR dismissed Loomer’s claims as “anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.”
This is not the first case under the Trump administration where visas were revoked for critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In March, Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and faced deportation, a case that remains ongoing.
Representatives for Hamdi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hamdi was detained over the weekend during a speaking tour in the United States, and his visa was revoked, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). He remains in ICE custody pending removal from the country.
US authorities, including the State Department and DHS, allege that Hamdi supports terrorism and poses a national security threat. However, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a Muslim civil rights group, contends that Hamdi is being politically targeted for his speech and advocacy.
"We've said it before, we'll say it again: The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who support terrorism and actively undermine the safety of Americans," the State Department stated, adding that it will continue revoking visas of individuals involved in such activities. DHS, ICE, and the State Department did not provide evidence to a news outlet regarding Hamdi’s alleged support for terrorism.
CAIR criticized the detention, claiming Hamdi was arrested "apparently because of his criticism of Israel’s genocide in Gaza." Hamdi had spoken at CAIR Sacramento's annual gala on Saturday and was scheduled to appear at CAIR Florida’s gala on Sunday. CAIR called for his immediate release, stating that its lawyers were working to address the “injustice.”
The arrest followed social media posts by far-right activist and Trump ally Laura Loomer, accusing Hamdi of supporting terrorist organizations. CAIR dismissed Loomer’s claims as “anti-Muslim conspiracy theories.”
This is not the first case under the Trump administration where visas were revoked for critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In March, Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was arrested and faced deportation, a case that remains ongoing.
Representatives for Hamdi did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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