Sami Hamdi Detained After Visa Revocation

British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at San Francisco International Airport after his U.S. visa was revoked; he is being held in ICE custody pending removal. Homeland Security and State Department officials said the action reflects a policy of excluding foreigners who “support terrorism” or “undermine” U.S. safety and indicated the revocation was linked to Hamdi’s past comments on the Middle East. CAIR and other civil‑rights and press‑freedom groups called the detention politically motivated and an assault on free speech, saying Hamdi’s criticisms of Israel have been taken out of context and that attorneys are working to secure his release. Conservative activist Laura Loomer publicly claimed credit for flagging Hamdi to authorities. Britain’s Foreign Office says it is in contact with Hamdi’s family and U.S. officials. The case comes amid a broader crackdown that has denied or revoked visas for people critical of U.S. policy toward Israel, and questions remain about which specific remarks triggered the revocation and the legal and diplomatic options available.