British journalist Sami Hamdi detained in US for criticising Israel

British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi has been detained at San Francisco International Airport for criticising Israel, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

The detention comes amid Hamdi’s ongoing US speaking tour, during which he has been critical of the Israeli government.

Hamdi spoke at a CAIR gala in Sacramento, California, on Saturday and was scheduled to appear at another event in Florida on Sunday. CAIR said US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained him while he was traveling to that engagement.

Hamdi, a regular commentator on British television, has drawn attention for his outspoken views on Middle East politics. CAIR condemned the detention and called for his release, accusing the US government under the Trump administration of targeting him for his political commentary.

“We can confirm that Mr Hamdi has not been deported and remains in custody. Our attorneys and partners are working to address this injustice,” CAIR wrote on X.

Earlier this morning, ICE agents abducted British Muslim journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi at San Francisco Airport, apparently in response to his vocal criticism of the Israeli government during his ongoing speaking tour.

We can confirm that Mr. Hamdi has not been… https://t.co/dfcVGvz6UX

— CAIR National (@CAIRNational) October 26, 2025

The organisation described the arrest of a visiting British citizen for speaking out against alleged human rights violations as “a blatant affront to free speech.”

CAIR further criticised the detention, stating, “The US must put an end to detaining critics of the Israeli government at the urging of extreme pro-Israel actors; this prioritises Israel over the US and must stop.”