SOAS University of London, alma mater of British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi, has expressed deep concern over his recent detention in the United States, calling on US authorities to ensure full transparency and due process in his case.

In a statement released on Wednesday, SOAS said that there is “no indication that Mr Hamdi has violated any laws” and urged the US government to respect his fundamental rights to freedom of expression and movement.

Circumstances of Hamdi’s Detention

The 35-year-old journalist was stopped at San Francisco International Airport on October 26, 2025, by agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. He was unaware at the time that his visa had been revoked by US authorities two days prior to his detention.

Hamdi had been in the US completing a speaking tour focused on Israel’s war on Gaza, including a speech at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) gala in Sacramento. He was scheduled to speak at another CAIR event in Florida.

His detention has prompted a legal battle, with emergency petitions filed by his lawyers and civil society groups urging the UK government to intervene.

Reactions from Family and Civil Rights Groups

Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya Hamdi, criticized the US authorities for failing to provide evidence justifying the visa revocation. She questioned whether British citizens traveling on valid visas can now be detained arbitrarily, describing the situation as “really scary.”

She suggested that Hamdi’s arrest may be linked to his high-profile advocacy for Palestinian rights, stating that he has successfully mobilized support across political and community lines:

“Sami has been able to bring people together across the political spectrum, not just within Muslim communities.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the detention as a “blatant affront to free speech,” emphasizing that the case sets a dangerous precedent for journalists and the broader exercise of First Amendment rights in the United States.

Soumaya Hamdi warned:

“If they [US authorities] are able to treat Sami in this way, it’s only a matter of time before US citizens face similar restrictions. The US government must release Sami immediately, and Congress must investigate these ICE detentions because they endanger fundamental freedoms.”

Implications for Press Freedom and US-UK Relations

Hamdi’s detention has raised broader concerns regarding press freedom, the rights of journalists reporting on conflict zones, and the potential influence of foreign lobbying on US immigration enforcement. The case highlights the tension between immigration law enforcement and constitutional protections for free expression.

SOAS University reiterated that Hamdi’s detention is of concern to “everybody who values the right to freedom of speech” and stressed the importance of journalists being able to report on news without fear of persecution.

Conclusion

The detention of Sami Hamdi underscores the challenges facing journalists covering sensitive geopolitical issues, particularly the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. With legal petitions underway and international attention on the case, SOAS University, civil rights groups, and Hamdi’s family are calling for immediate release and for US authorities to uphold due process.

Key Takeaways:

• British journalist Sami Hamdi detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport.
• SOAS University calls for transparency and due process.
• Detention occurred amid Hamdi’s speaking tour on Israel’s war on Gaza.
• Civil rights groups and family raise concerns about freedom of speech and potential targeting.
• Legal action underway, with appeals to the UK government and US Congress.