Sami Hamdi Detained at San Francisco Airport

British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. immigration authorities at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday after his visa was revoked and is in ICE custody pending removal, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said. Hamdi, a British Muslim commentator and managing director of The International Interest, had been on a speaking tour for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, speaking at the Sacramento chapter gala and scheduled to appear at CAIR Florida. CAIR called the detention an injustice and a “blatant affront to free speech,” and its attorneys are working to secure his release. The Department of Homeland Security said the action reflected national-security concerns and allegations of support for terrorism, while at least one outlet and critics pointed to Hamdi’s past social posts praising Hamas after Oct. 7 as a possible factor. Far-right activist Laura Loomer publicly celebrated and claimed credit for prompting authorities to act, and legal and advocacy efforts are ongoing as the case raises tensions over free speech, national security and political pressure on enforcement decisions.