Muslim Journalist Sami Hamdi Detained by ICE in San Francisco

UPDATE: Muslim journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning, November 5, 2023. This urgent development has sparked widespread outrage and concern over free speech rights in the U.S.

According to Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Hamdi’s visa has been revoked, and he remains in ICE custody. McLaughlin praised key officials including Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their roles in this decision, stating, “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a prominent Muslim civil liberties organization, has condemned Hamdi’s detention as an “injustice.” In a statement, CAIR reported, “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.” They confirmed that Hamdi has not yet been deported and asserted that legal efforts are underway to secure his release.

Hamdi, who serves as the Editor-in-Chief at The International Interest, a magazine focused on current affairs particularly in the Middle East, Far East Asia, and the United Kingdom, was in the U.S. for a speaking engagement. His previous work includes articles for Al Jazeera, where he has discussed various geopolitical issues.

The reaction from CAIR highlights a significant concern regarding the implications of his detention on free speech: “Everyone should recognize that arresting a British citizen legally visiting the United States because he dared to criticize a foreign nation’s genocide is our government’s latest blatant affront to free speech.” They further stated, “This is an Israel-first policy, not an America-first policy, and it must end.”

The situation is developing rapidly, and Hamdi’s case raises urgent questions about civil liberties and the treatment of critics of foreign governments in the U.S. The ongoing legal efforts by CAIR and partners will be crucial in determining the next steps following Hamdi’s detention.

As this story unfolds, the public and various advocacy groups are closely monitoring the developments, emphasizing the need to uphold free speech rights and ensure that such detentions do not become a norm in America. More updates will follow as details emerge.