british journalist Sami Hamdi, known for his analyses of the Middle East and frequent appearances on British television, is expected to be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention and return to the United Kingdom, according to advocates. the expected release follows mounting criticism of his detention and adds to a pattern of visa revocations and deportations targeting pro-Palestinian activists and foreigners under the Trump administration.
hamdi’s detention sparked outrage from civil rights groups who argue his only “crime” was speaking out against Israel‘s actions in gaza. Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR-CA, stated Monday, “Sami should never have spent a single night in an ICE cell. His only real ‘crime’ was speaking out about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against the Palestinians.” Hamdi himself previously acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the October 7th Hamas attack, stating in a 2024 speech to the Canadian Council of Muslim public Affairs that “no one is saying that October 7 was okay,” despite having asked attendees to “celebrate the victory” at a London event following the attack in 2023.He has also stated that the october 7th attack was “a natural consequence of the oppression being exerted on the Palestinians.”
hamdi is among a number of pro-Palestinian foreigners whose visas were revoked by the Trump administration. Earlier this year, Momodou Language, a Cornell University graduate student with dual British and Gambian nationality, had his visa revoked and faced deportation, accusing the administration of persecuting him for participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Language announced in late March he would voluntarily leave the United States.
