Sami Hamdi’s Lawyers Announce Imminent Release from ICE Custody
San Francisco, California — Prominent British journalist and pro-Palestine commentator Sami Hamdi is expected to be released from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody more than two weeks after his controversial detention, his lawyers and family announced Monday.
The 35-year-old journalist was arrested on October 26 at San Francisco International Airport while traveling for a speaking tour on Israel’s war on Gaza.
According to his legal team, the detention stemmed from political retaliation, not immigration violations.
Detention Sparks Outcry from Human Rights Groups
Hamdi’s lawyers, Hassan M. Ahmad of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) and attorneys from the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA), said the journalist was detained because of his outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“It is this simple: Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell,” said Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR California, in a statement.
“His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians.”
The legal teams revealed that the immigration charge against Hamdi merely alleged a visa overstay, which they say occurred only after the US government revoked his visa without cause or prior notice.
“There was no criminal conduct, no security concern—just political punishment,” the statement read.
Hamdi’s Wife Celebrates Release: “Elated Doesn’t Begin to Describe It”
Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya Hamdi, expressed relief and joy in a series of social media posts following the news.
“Sami is coming home, alhamdulillah. Elated doesn’t begin to describe the feeling,” she wrote, thanking the “countless wonderful people” who supported her husband during his detention.
Soumaya previously warned that her husband’s detention represented “a threat to all Americans”, arguing that his treatment revealed the dangers of political suppression under the guise of immigration enforcement.
Support from SOAS and PEN America
Hamdi’s former university, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, expressed deep concern over his arrest, as did PEN America, a prominent freedom of expression organization.
Both institutions called for Hamdi’s immediate release, citing free speech violations and warning that the case could set a dangerous precedent for journalists and commentators worldwide.
“Targeting journalists for their political opinions undermines the foundations of democracy,” a PEN America spokesperson said.
Far-Right Figures Celebrate Hamdi’s Detention
While human rights organizations condemned Hamdi’s imprisonment, far-right activists celebrated his detention.
Laura Loomer, a self-described “proud Islamophobe” and political ally of Donald Trump, falsely claimed Hamdi was being deported, accusing him of supporting terrorism without providing evidence.
Hamdi’s father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, responded on X (formerly Twitter), defending his son’s integrity:
“He has no affiliation with any political or religious group. His stance on Palestine reflects a belief in peace, justice, and dignity for all,” the elder Hamdi wrote.
“He is one of this generation’s dreamers — longing for a more compassionate world.”
Critics Say Detention Fits Pattern of Political Retaliation
Hamdi’s case is the latest example of pro-Palestinian advocates facing heightened scrutiny and government pressure under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a harder line on activism related to Israel and Palestine.
Among others targeted is Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian former student at Columbia University, who continues to face immigration challenges after being freed from detention in June 2025.
Civil liberties advocates argue these cases demonstrate a politicization of immigration enforcement, particularly against Muslim and Arab voices critical of US foreign policy toward Israel.
Israel’s War on Gaza and Global Fallout
The controversy over Hamdi’s detention comes amid mounting international outrage over Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, which has killed at least 68,875 Palestinians and wounded 170,679 since October 2023, according to UN and human rights reports.
Several independent investigations, including a UN commission of inquiry, have labeled Israel’s military campaign as “genocidal” due to widespread civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure.
Hamdi’s outspoken coverage of the conflict — particularly his criticism of Western media bias — has made him both a symbol of press freedom and a target of political attacks.
What Comes Next for Sami Hamdi
As Hamdi prepares to return to the United Kingdom, his legal team has pledged to pursue accountability for what they describe as a “politically motivated detention.”
“This should never have happened,” said attorney Hassan Ahmad. “We will ensure that the agencies responsible for this abuse face consequences.”
CAIR-CA also announced plans to file a civil rights complaint demanding policy reforms within ICE to prevent future detentions of journalists and activists based on their speech.
Human rights advocates say Hamdi’s case could become a landmark moment in the ongoing debate over free expression, immigration enforcement, and government overreach in the United States.
Key Takeaways
- British journalist Sami Hamdi to be released from US ICE detention after two weeks.
- Lawyers say detention was politically motivated over pro-Palestinian activism.
- Visa revoked without warning, leading to wrongful overstay accusation.
- SOAS University and PEN America condemned detention as a press freedom violation.
- Far-right activists spread disinformation about Hamdi’s case online.
- The incident highlights growing pressure on pro-Palestinian voices in the US.
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