British Journalist Sami Hamdi to be Released from US Immigration Detention
Published 10 November 2025
Highlights
- British journalist Sami Hamdi is set to be released from US immigration detention after being held for two weeks.
- Hamdi was detained by ICE on October 26 at San Francisco International Airport during a speaking tour in the US.
- The US government accused Hamdi of supporting terrorism, while his lawyers argue he was targeted for criticizing Israel.
- The immigration charges against Hamdi only cited a visa overstay, with no criminal or security allegations.
- Hamdi will voluntarily return to the UK, with his release welcomed by his family and advocacy groups like CAIR.
British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi is set to be released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention, following a two-week ordeal that has drawn international attention. Hamdi, known for his outspoken criticism of Israel, was detained on October 26 at San Francisco International Airport while on a speaking tour in the United States.
The US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that Hamdi posed a national security threat and supported terrorism, accusations that his legal team and supporters vehemently deny. Instead, they argue that Hamdi was targeted for his critical stance against Israel's actions in Gaza, a position he expressed during his tour.
Hamdi's detainment followed the revocation of his visa, a move that his lawyers claim was executed without prior notification. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has been advocating for Hamdi's release, described the detention as a "blatant affront to free speech." The immigration charging document filed against Hamdi cited only a visa overstay, with no mention of criminal conduct or security threats.
In a statement, the California chapter of CAIR, along with Hamdi's legal representatives, confirmed that an agreement had been reached allowing Hamdi to voluntarily return to the UK. "This decision brings joy to me, his mother, his wife, our entire family, and all of Sami's supporters around the world," said Hamdi's father, Dr. Mohamed Elhachmi Hamdi.
The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been providing consular assistance to Hamdi, though it has not confirmed specific details of his detainment or release.
What this might mean
The release of Sami Hamdi may prompt further scrutiny of the US visa revocation process, especially in cases involving political commentators and journalists. Advocacy groups like CAIR are likely to continue pushing for transparency and fairness in immigration enforcement, particularly when allegations of national security threats are involved.
The case also highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding free speech and criticism of foreign governments, particularly in the context of US-Israel relations. As Hamdi returns to the UK, his experience may serve as a rallying point for discussions on the balance between national security and the protection of free expression.
