British Journalist Sami Hamdi Set for Release from U.S. Immigration Custody

Fri Dec 05 2025 19:00:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sami Hamdi, a British journalist detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is expected to be released soon, as stated by his representatives. His detention has raised concerns about freedom of speech and the implications of government actions against critics.

British journalist Sami Hamdi will be released from U.S. immigration detention after being arrested during a speaking tour. His detention has sparked controversy, with claims he was targeted for his critical views on Israel. Hamdi's lawyers argue that he was wrongfully accused of supporting terrorism, while his supporters express relief at the outcome.

British journalist Sami Hamdi is set to be released from US custody two weeks after he was detained by immigration enforcement, according to his family.

Hamdi, a media commentator known for his outspoken criticism of Israel, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while on a speaking tour in the country last month.

Initially, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleged that Hamdi posed a threat to national security due to purported ties to terrorism. However, his legal team contends that he was targeted simply for voicing critical opinions regarding Israel and its actions in Gaza.

His representatives announced that he will be released from ICE custody shortly and return to the UK.

During his visit, Hamdi was scheduled to speak at events organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) when he was detained at San Francisco International Airport on October 26.

His detention followed the revocation of his visa, an action seen as influenced by far-right activist Laura Loomer, who publicly accused him of supporting terrorism. The State Department has maintained that the U.S. will not host individuals deemed threats to its safety.

Lawyers for Hamdi welcomed the decision allowing him to return to the UK voluntarily instead of being deported, contending that he was unjustly targeted for his vocal criticism of Israel.

A statement from CAIR emphasized that the immigration charge against Hamdi was based solely on his visa overstay and lacked any accusations of criminal wrongdoing.

Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell. His true 'offense' was speaking about Israel's actions against Palestinians, remarked Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR's California chapter.

In response to inquiries, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office confirmed that it was providing consular support to a detained British national but did not divulge details.

Hamdi's father expressed relief at the news of his son's impending release, noting, This decision brings joy to me, his mother, his wife, our entire family, and all of Sami's supporters around the world, but also lamented the injustice of his son's treatment in the U.S.