Archive · 15 Nov 2025
British Journalist Claims ICE Detention Targeted Americans' Rights, Not Just Him
A British man named Sami Hamdi, who talks about world politics, was stopped by US immigration officers when he arrived at an airport in San Francisco.
They told him his permission to be in the country was canceled and said he was a sympathizer of a group called Hamas.
Hamdi says this isn't true and that his words were twisted by a video.
He believes the real reason they stopped him wasn't just about him, but about scaring away people who want to speak out about things they don't agree with in America.
He felt unwell in detention and said he didn't get medical help easily.
After being held for a bit, he agreed to leave the country.
He plans to try and get a visa again later.
British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport.
Hamdi claims his detention was an 'attack on Americans and their rights,' aiming to deter activists.
US officials labeled Hamdi an 'illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer' who cheered Hamas attacks.
Hamdi disputes the allegations, stating his words were edited and twisted in a video.
He experienced abdominal pain during detention and claims medical help was initially denied.
- Who
- British political commentator Sami Hamdi and US immigration authorities (ICE/DHS)
- What
- Hamdi was detained at San Francisco International Airport, his visa revoked, and he agreed to leave the US. He claims his detention was an attack on Americans' rights.
- When
- Detained on October 26; returned to the UK three weeks later.
- Where
- San Francisco International Airport
- Why
- US officials labeled him a 'terrorist sympathizer' who cheered Hamas attacks; Hamdi claims the action was intended to intimidate activists and suppress dissent regarding US foreign policy.
Sami Hamdi's Claims
US Officials' Stance
Reason for Detention
Sami Hamdi's Claims
Detention was an attack on Americans and their rights, intended to scare activists from visiting the US.
US Officials' Stance
Hamdi is an 'illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer who cheered Hamas after October 7'.
Evidence of Sympathy
Sami Hamdi's Claims
His words were edited and twisted in a video; he condemned violence at the same event.
US Officials' Stance
A video by Memri, presented by US officials, made it look like he praised the Hamas attacks.
Motivation for Visit
Sami Hamdi's Claims
He was in the US to speak about America's 'Israel-first' policies.
US Officials' Stance
Under Trump, people who support terrorism are not allowed to work or visit.
- Detainee
- Sami Hamdi, British political commentator
- Detaining Agency
- ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
- Location of Detention
- San Francisco International Airport
- Date of Arrest
- October 26
- Reason for Detention (Stated by Officials)
- Terrorist sympathizer, cheered Hamas after October 7
- Hamdi's Claimed Reason
- Attack on Americans' rights, to deter activists
- Hamdi's Medical Condition
- Intense abdominal pain, denied medical help