British journalist Sami Hamdi detained by ICE after visa revocation at San Francisco airport
Nov 13, 2025·Location: San Francisco, CA
Country of origin: United Kingdom

British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport on October 26, 2025, after his visa was revoked. Hamdi was on a speaking tour in the United States when detained. He was held in overcrowded detention facilities for 18 days before being released and returning to the UK on November 13. Trump administration officials stated his visa had been revoked, leading to deportation proceedings. Hamdi maintains he was legally in the US on a valid visa at the time of his detention. The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported on the detention.
Timeline
Sources
- ICE detains British journalist after criticism of Israel on US tour
The Guardian·Oct 26, 2025·archived copy
- British political commentator Sami Hamdi detained by federal authorities at California airport
independent.co.uk·Oct 27, 2025·archived copy
- British political commentator is detained by US authorities at California airport
Boston Globe·Oct 27, 2025·archived copy
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