US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi at San Francisco Airport. The detention followed his strong criticism of Israel during his ongoing speaking tour in the United States.
Hamdi addressed a Council on American-Islamic Relations gala in Sacramento on Saturday. He planned to speak at another CAIR event in Florida on Sunday.
CAIR said ICE detained him at the airport before he could continue his travel plans. The organisation confirmed that his case has raised concerns over political retaliation.
Concerns Over Free Speech Rights
Hamdi regularly appears on British television as a political analyst. CAIR demanded his release and blamed the Trump administration for targeting critics of Israel.
“He remains in custody and has not been deported,” CAIR wrote on X. The group vowed to fight what it called an unjust decision.
CAIR condemned the detention as an attack on free speech. It said arresting a British journalist for criticising alleged Israeli war crimes undermines fundamental American values.
“The US must stop detaining critics of Israel at the urging of pro-Israel extremists,” CAIR stated. The group warned such actions prioritise foreign interests over American rights.
Crackdown on Immigration Criticism Intensifies
Since January, the Trump administration has tightened immigration enforcement. Policies include increased social media monitoring and swift visa revocations.
Officials have deported or detained individuals who expressed support for Palestinians. They also targeted those criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza. Civil rights advocates fear the trend will expand further.
