Regulation

Detention of British Political Commentator

British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi has been detained by federal authorities in the United States. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Hamdi’s detention at San Francisco airport, attributing his arrest to his criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Event and Detention Details

Hamdi, a frequent critic of US and Israeli policy, was scheduled to speak at a CAIR event in Florida following his participation in a CAIR gala in Sacramento. His detention by the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency occurred subsequently.

CAIR has described the incident as a result of a coordinated campaign. There have been calls for the United Kingdom Foreign Office to seek clarification from US authorities regarding the grounds for Hamdi’s detention.

Official Statements

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Hamdi’s detention, stating that his visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal. This development has been part of a broader pattern of US authorities denying entry to Palestinian and pro-Palestine voices.

Response and Implications

CAIR plans to contest the deportation order, expressing concerns that the US is sending a concerning message to Muslim and Palestinian speakers. Hamdi’s supporters view this detention as a case of political retaliation against critics of Israel.