UK journalist Sami Hamdi detained in US amid pro-Israel lobby pressure

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Elis GjevoriOctober 27, 2025 at 12:20 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco airport on Sunday after criticizing Israel's policies towards Gaza. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned his detention as an "abduction" and a violation of free speech, attributing it to pressure from pro-Israel groups. Friends of Hamdi called for the UK Foreign Office to intervene, stating that his arrest sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of expression. Hamdi was en route to speak at CAIR events in Sacramento and Florida when he was detained by US authorities. He remains in ICE custody without deportation.

Key Topics & Entities

San Francisco airport 30% Florida 30% Sacramento 30% Gaza 40% Israel ×250% Laura Loomer 50% US ×360% Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ×270% Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) ×380% Sami Hamdi ×4100%

Keywords

sami hamdi 100% ice custody 90% free speech 80% israel first campaign 70% detention at airport 60% criticism of israel 60% us muslim civil rights group 50% cair 50% far-right pressure 50% british citizen 40%