(NewsNation) — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained British commentator Sami Hamdi, revoked his visa and said he would be deported rather than allowed to complete his speaking tour in the United States, a Homeland Security official said Sunday.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization known as CAIR National, called Hamdi’s detention an “injustice.”
“Earlier this morning, ICE agents abducted British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi at San Francisco Airport, apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour,” CAIR National wrote. “We can confirm that Mr. Hamdi has not been deported and remains in custody. Our attorneys and partners are working to address this injustice.”
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“Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media.
Conservative figures had been urging the Trump administration to expel Hamdi from the U.S.
Hamdi has appeared as an analyst and commentator on British TV networks. CAIR accused the Trump administration of detaining him over his criticism of the Israeli government.
Conservative activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer on Sunday took credit for Hamdi’s arrest.
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ICE sent NewsNation affiliate KRON in San Francisco the following statement in response to Hamdi’s detainment:
ICE arrested Sami Hamdi, 35, today at San Francisco International Airport, and he is in ICE custody. Hamdi entered the United States on a visitor visa Oct. 19, through John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California. The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs revoked Hamdi’s visa Oct. 24, 2025, effective immediately. ICE detained Hamdi, as he was illegally in the country, and he will be placed in immigration proceedings.
NewsNation affiliate KRON and Reuters contributed to this report.
