LOS ANGELES (RTWNews) — Attorneys representing Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator currently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in California, are mounting a legal challenge against his detention, as stated by his legal team on Wednesday.
Hamdi, a Muslim, was taken into custody on Sunday at San Francisco International Airport. His lawyers claim his arrest stemmed from his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government, while officials contend it was due to comments he made following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, which they interpret as celebrations of violence.
This incident is part of the current administration's broader attempts to identify and possibly deport thousands of foreigners alleged to have incited unrest or supported protests opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Critics, including civil rights advocates, have condemned these enforcement measures as infringements on constitutional rights to free speech, emphasizing that these protections apply to all individuals within the United States, regardless of citizenship status.
On Tuesday, Hamdi's lawyers from the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a writ of habeas corpus demanding the government explain the reasons for his detention. They also requested a judge to issue a temporary restraining order for a bond hearing while the case is pending.
“If the government can cancel a valid visa because it dislikes someone's statements, then anyone legally visiting or residing in this country is at risk of politically motivated detention,” their statement declared. “This must end with Sami Hamdi.”
Hamdi, 35, had been on a speaking tour in the U.S., addressing topics related to the Israeli government on Saturday at a gala for the Council's Sacramento chapter. He was scheduled to speak at another event in Florida the following day.
Department of Homeland Security representative Tricia McLaughlin characterized Hamdi’s legal attempts as “a desperate Hail Mary to keep an illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer” in the U.S. She referenced his controversial comments made shortly after the Hamas attacks, which included statements perceived as supportive of the actions.
Critics have accused Hamdi of praising the attacks in an online video; however, he has rebutted these claims, stating he intended to highlight the context of Palestinian oppression.
ICE has indicated that Hamdi entered the U.S. on a visitor visa on October 19, but his visa was revoked five days later, leading to his placement in immigration proceedings for removal.
Hamdi, a Muslim, was taken into custody on Sunday at San Francisco International Airport. His lawyers claim his arrest stemmed from his outspoken criticism of the Israeli government, while officials contend it was due to comments he made following Hamas’ attacks on October 7, which they interpret as celebrations of violence.
This incident is part of the current administration's broader attempts to identify and possibly deport thousands of foreigners alleged to have incited unrest or supported protests opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Critics, including civil rights advocates, have condemned these enforcement measures as infringements on constitutional rights to free speech, emphasizing that these protections apply to all individuals within the United States, regardless of citizenship status.
On Tuesday, Hamdi's lawyers from the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a writ of habeas corpus demanding the government explain the reasons for his detention. They also requested a judge to issue a temporary restraining order for a bond hearing while the case is pending.
“If the government can cancel a valid visa because it dislikes someone's statements, then anyone legally visiting or residing in this country is at risk of politically motivated detention,” their statement declared. “This must end with Sami Hamdi.”
Hamdi, 35, had been on a speaking tour in the U.S., addressing topics related to the Israeli government on Saturday at a gala for the Council's Sacramento chapter. He was scheduled to speak at another event in Florida the following day.
Department of Homeland Security representative Tricia McLaughlin characterized Hamdi’s legal attempts as “a desperate Hail Mary to keep an illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer” in the U.S. She referenced his controversial comments made shortly after the Hamas attacks, which included statements perceived as supportive of the actions.
Critics have accused Hamdi of praising the attacks in an online video; however, he has rebutted these claims, stating he intended to highlight the context of Palestinian oppression.
ICE has indicated that Hamdi entered the U.S. on a visitor visa on October 19, but his visa was revoked five days later, leading to his placement in immigration proceedings for removal.
