U.S. immigration officers arrested British political analyst Sami Hamdi at San Francisco's airport on Monday after officials canceled his travel documents over Middle East commentary. Federal agents took the Muslim commentator into custody following his speech at a Sacramento Islamic advocacy group's annual dinner. A government representative said authorities pulled his visa on Oct. 24 after examining his public statements about regional conflicts.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations accused immigration enforcement of seizing Hamdi because he criticized Israel's government while traveling across America. A State Department spokesman said Washington need not welcome foreign visitors who officials believe encourage terrorism or threaten national security. Hamdi denied praising the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and told reporters the violence stemmed from Palestinian suffering under occupation.
British diplomats contacted his relatives and American counterparts about the detention. The advocacy organization demanded his swift release from custody as deportation procedures move forward.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations accused immigration enforcement of seizing Hamdi because he criticized Israel's government while traveling across America. A State Department spokesman said Washington need not welcome foreign visitors who officials believe encourage terrorism or threaten national security. Hamdi denied praising the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks and told reporters the violence stemmed from Palestinian suffering under occupation.
British diplomats contacted his relatives and American counterparts about the detention. The advocacy organization demanded his swift release from custody as deportation procedures move forward.
