US arrests prominent British journalist Sami Hamdi - Reason shocks public
Illustrative photo: US police (Getty Images)
US intelligence agencies detained British journalist Sami Hamdi following his public speech in California, according to media reports. The arrest came in response to his public criticism of Israel, according to a post on social media platform X by Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security.
The US Immigration Service has detained prominent British political commentator Sami Hamdi, revoked his visa, and announced its intention to deport him from the country. The incident occurred after Hamdi’s speech at an event organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in California.
According to US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, the decision was made "on national security grounds." In a post on X, she wrote that "those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country."
The incident was reportedly part of a broader campaign by the Trump administration to tighten immigration control. Since early 2025, the US Immigration Service has been actively monitoring foreigners’ social media activity, revoking visas of those who publicly expressed support for Palestinians or criticized Israel, and deporting several students and journalists.
According to CAIR, Hamdi was detained at San Francisco International Airport while traveling to Florida for another speaking engagement. In its statement, the organization sharply criticized the actions of the US authorities, accusing Donald Trump’s administration of politically persecuting the journalist for his criticism of Israel.
CAIR representatives said that the detention of a well-known British Muslim commentator merely for condemning Israel’s actions amounted to a gross violation of freedom of speech. The group urged the international community and the UK government to intervene and secure Hamdi’s release, emphasizing that he had never expressed support for extremist organizations and had only spoken out against the violence in Gaza.
At the same time, conservative activists in the US, including Laura Loomer, publicly supported the arrest, claiming that Hamdi was spreading anti-Israel propaganda.
Observers noted that the case had sparked widespread controversy across the United States, raising serious concerns about the state of free expression amid increasing political control over migrants and journalists.
US President Donald Trump recently announced a planned visit to Gaza, while also defining what he called a "red line" for Israel.
Just a few days earlier, Trump had stated that US allies in the Middle East had expressed readiness to deploy their troops to the Gaza Strip amid concerns that Hamas might violate the current ceasefire.
According to Trump, if the militants continue to breach the truce, they would "face a swift end."
