US detains British journalist during tour after Israel criticism

Middle East EyeCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by MEE staffOctober 27, 2025 at 09:55 AM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

US authorities detained British journalist Sami Hamdi at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday while he was on a speaking tour criticizing Israel's actions in Gaza. The detention occurred after Hamdi spoke at a gala hosted by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in Sacramento, where he condemned Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. CAIR has called for his immediate release, stating that his arrest is an attack on free speech. Amy Mekelburg from the pro-Israel group Rair Foundation claimed responsibility for initiating Hamdi's detention and seeks his deportation, accusing him of supporting jihadist networks. The incident highlights tensions between freedom of speech and national security concerns in the context of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

Key Topics & Entities

The International Interest 30% Amy Mekelburg 30% Gaza 40% Rair Foundation ×240% Israel ×450% San Francisco international airport 50% US ×360% Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) agency ×270% Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) ×380% Sami Hamdi ×4100%

Keywords

israel criticism 100% us detention 90% free speech 80% genocide in gaza 80% british journalist 70% middle east geopolitics 60% immigration and customs enforcement (ice) 60% pro-israel group 50% council on american-islamic relations (cair) 50% islamic supremacy 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

Middle East Eye

Political Lean

Center-Left (-0.20)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

United States

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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israel criticism us detention free speech genocide in gaza british journalist middle east geopolitics immigration and customs enforcement (ice)pro-israel group council on american-islamic relations (cair)islamic supremacy

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