US Detains British Journalist Sami Hamdi After Criticism of Israel, CAIR Calls It an ‘Abduction’

British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi has been detained by US federal authorities in what the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is calling an “abduction” tied to his outspoken criticism of Israel’s war on Gaza.

CAIR condemned the detention at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday as “a blatant affront to free speech,” alleging that Hamdi was targeted following a “far-right, Israel First campaign.” Hamdi had spoken at a CAIR gala in Sacramento the night before and was en route to another event in Florida.

Hamdi’s father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, wrote on X that his son “has no affiliation with any political or religious group” and simply supports “the people’s right to security, peace, freedom, and dignity.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the detention, claiming that Hamdi posed a national security threat. She said his visa had been revoked and that he is being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “pending removal.”

Hamdi, known for his sharp critiques of US and Israeli policy, has accused Washington of enabling what he calls Israel’s genocide in Gaza. His detention follows a pattern of US authorities denying entry or deporting Palestinian and pro-Palestine activists.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer, who has described herself as a “proud Islamophobe,” celebrated Hamdi’s arrest online, falsely calling him “a supporter of HAMAS.” Loomer and others linked the action to the RAIR Foundation, a pro-Israel pressure group that has pushed for his expulsion.

CAIR said it will fight Hamdi’s deportation order, warning that the US is “sending a chilling message to Muslim and Palestinian voices nationwide.”