UK Journalist’s U.S. Detention Raises Press Freedom Alarm

October 26, 2025 – UK/USA – 

A British journalist and political commentator, Sami Hamdi, was detained by U.S. federal authorities upon arrival at San Francisco airport, where officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed his visa revocation and ongoing custody. Hamdi, known for his outspoken criticism of both U.S. and Israeli policies regarding Gaza, was en route to speak at an event and was held amid what his supporters describe as coordinated pressure from far-right, pro-Israeli lobby groups.

The Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the detention as a “blatant affront to free speech,” calling it akin to an “abduction”, alleging the intervention was triggered by ideological biases and carried out in conjunction with lobby networks labeled “Israel First.” Hamdi’s father asserted that his son has no affiliation with political or religious groups, and that his advocacy focuses on rights to security, freedom, and dignity for people affected by conflict.

Analysts note that this case fits within a broader pattern of U.S. immigration and border authorities targeting speakers associated with Palestinian issues or critiques of Israeli policy. One prior case cited involved two Palestinians denied U.S. entry at the same airport months earlier. Far-right activist Laura Loomer publicly celebrated Hamdi’s detention and claimed credit for influencing the action, though her claims included unfounded allegations linking Hamdi to extremist groups.

Hamdi remains in U.S. custody under a removal order and has not yet been deported, with calls from his supporters for urgent diplomatic intervention from his home country’s Foreign Office. The detention has sparked concern among civil rights and press-freedom advocates, who warn that the case creates a chilling message to journalists, especially those from Muslim or Palestinian backgrounds, about their access and freedom of expression in the United States.

Reference – 

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/26/uk-journalist-sami-hamdi-detained-in-us-amid-pro-israel-lobby-pressure