US Cracks Down on UK Journalist Sami Hamdi: Why the Sudden ICE Arrest and Visa Cancellation?

San Francisco: British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sammy Hamdi was detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Hamdi's visa was revoked with immediate effect on October 24. He was on a lecture tour in America and was preparing to go to Florida.

DHS Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin confirmed on a social media platform. He thanked DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Reason for arrest: Support of Hamas attack and Israel criticism

Authorities allege that Hamdi supported the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which was a glorification of the actions of a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Additionally, he attended events associated with the Muslim Brotherhood and, while in the US, encouraged people to challenge support for US allies (such as Israel) and 'weaponize' elections. ICE described them as an attempt to spread an extremist agenda on American soil.

Hamdi arrived in the US on October 19 at John Wayne Airport in Orange County on a visitor visa. On Saturday, he spoke at CAIR Sacramento's annual gala in California. Right-wing activists Amy Meckleberg (founder of the RAIR Foundation) and Laura Loomer have already called for Hamdi to be expelled, which McLaughlin included in his post

CAIR condemned an attack on freedom of speech

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called the arrest a "kidnapping" and a "direct attack on freedom of speech." "ICE agents picked up British Muslim journalist Sammy Hamdi at San Francisco airport, possibly because he was openly criticizing the Israeli government," CAIR said. The organization demanded Hamdi's immediate release, calling it an "Israel-first policy" as opposed to America-first. CAIR lawyers are working to free Hamdi. Hamdi remains in custody and will remain in ICE custody until the removal process is completed.

The incident appears to be part of a growing string of actions against Israel critics. In June two Palestinian men were prevented from entering SFO.

Who is Sammy Hamdi?

Sami Hamdi (35 years old) is the managing director and editor-in-chief of "The International Interest" magazine, which focuses on the politics of the Middle East, East Asia, and the UK. He is a regular commentator on Al Jazeera, BBC, Sky News, and TRT World. Additionally, he runs a risk and intelligence consulting firm, which advises governments and companies on geopolitical risks in unstable regions.

A graduate of SOAS University of London, Hamdi cites his father, Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, as his political inspiration, who was a Tunisian activist who became a prominent opposition voice after escaping persecution and seeking refuge in London.

This case is intensifying the debate of freedom of expression versus national security. ICE has not filed any formal charges, but the investigation is ongoing.