British Commentator Sami Hamdi Detained by US ICE on Security Grounds Amid Free Speech Claims

British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport during a speaking tour in the United States, shortly after addressing a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) gala in Sacramento. Federal officials linked his detention to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government and comments related to the Middle East, which led to the revocation of his visa under the Trump administration's intensified efforts to expel foreigners perceived as supporting unrest or protests against Israel's military actions. The Department of Homeland Security labeled Hamdi a national security threat alleging support for terrorism, though these claims have not been legally substantiated. CAIR and other Muslim advocacy groups condemned the detention as a violation of free speech and political targeting, asserting that Hamdi was being persecuted for his criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza. The incident reflects broader tensions over free expression and U.S. foreign policy, with some right-wing figures publicly supporting the detention and accusing Hamdi of ties to extremist groups. Legal efforts are underway to challenge the detention, highlighting concerns about the balance between national security and constitutional rights.