British journalist Sami Hamdi to be released following ICE detention, family say
British journalist and commentator Sami Hamdi will be released and extradited to the UK after being detained by ICE.
The activist and outspoken critic of Israel’s military action in Gaza was arrested by U.S. immigration agents at San Francisco International Airport on October 26.
Mr. Hamdi had spoken at the premiere of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) chapter in California and was on his way to Florida for another event before his arrest.
His wife, Soumaya Hamdi, said that during his time in custody, the father of three children experienced a medical emergency while in custody and experienced delays in treatment.
he said Independent She said her husband’s immigration hearing was scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10, after it was postponed due to an administrative error.
The campaign for his release shared the following statement on Monday: “Alhamdulillah [praise be to God]good news
“The government has agreed to release Sami. He will be able to return home soon, Insha’Allah.” [God willing]. Additional details coming soon.”
In a post shared on the campaign’s Instagram page, In a statement it was said: “Hallelujah [praise be to God, Sami’s legal team, CAIR-CA, and Hassan Ahmad and MLFA today welcome an agreement to release British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi from politically motivated ICE detention.”
The statement continued: “Sami is choosing to leave the U.S. and reunite with his family and will insh’Allah [God willing] “Continue to speak truth to power, inspiring us all.”
CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said Monday: “Sami’s case shows how quickly our government officials are willing to sacrifice the First Amendment and the free press when a journalist uses his platform to dare to put America ahead of Israel.
“His imminent release is welcome, but that doesn’t erase the message sent to every activist and journalist watching, and to every authoritarian dictatorship around the world who can now claim to follow America’s example.”
Department of Homeland Security Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin expressed no regret in her statement following the journalist’s arrest.
“Those who support terrorism and undermine American national security under President Trump will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” he said. “That’s common sense.”
The official cited a report by advocacy group RAIR that the Southern Poverty Law Center previously reviewed. Described as an anti-Muslim hate group About Hamdi in the post announcing the arrest.
RAIR accused Hamdi of supporting terrorism and operating with foreign terrorist networks through various speeches, but he and his team denied these allegations.
His arrest was one of the latest high-profile attempts by President Donald Trump’s administration to identify and potentially deport thousands of foreigners who it says have incited protests, participated in unrest or openly supported unrest against Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The administration had denied visas to applicants who criticized social media background policies as rights groups warned that citizens’ constitutionally protected rights to free speech were being violated.
The FCDO said: “We are in contact with a Briton detained in the US and are providing consular support to him. We are in contact with local authorities and his family in the UK.”
