The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights group in the United States, has demanded the immediate release of British journalist and political analyst Sami Hamdi, who was detained by U.S. immigration officials at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday during his nationwide speaking tour.
According to CAIR, Hamdi’s detention represents a serious violation of free speech rights, particularly because he has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. The organization described his arrest as “a blatant attack on freedom of expression.”
Hamdi had been in California to speak at CAIR’s annual gala and was scheduled to travel to Florida for another event organized by the group.
Government Response and Controversy
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Tricia McLaughlin, confirmed in a social media post that Hamdi’s visa had been revoked, and that he is currently in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody pending removal. She credited DHS chief Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the action, stating that under President Donald Trump, the administration will not allow individuals who “support terrorism or undermine national security” to enter the United States.
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CAIR strongly rejected this narrative, calling the move politically motivated and rooted in Islamophobia. The group linked the announcement to far-right activists, including Amy “Mek” Mekelburg of RAIR, whom CAIR identified as the operator of an anti-Muslim website that spreads conspiracy theories. Mekelburg and far-right commentator Laura Loomer both publicly celebrated Hamdi’s detention.
Calls for Justice and Release
CAIR emphasized that Hamdi’s only “crime” was exercising his right to criticize the Israeli government.
“Our attorneys and partners are working tirelessly to address this injustice,” the organization said. “We urge ICE to release Mr. Hamdi immediately. This is not an ‘America First’ policy—it is an ‘Israel First’ policy that undermines our democratic values.”
CAIR also warned that the detention sets a dangerous precedent for targeting foreign scholars and speakers critical of Israel.
Wider Reactions from Muslim Scholars
Renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Yasir Qadhi, dean of the Islamic Seminary of America, condemned the detention, calling it an alarming indicator of rising authoritarianism.
“Our government is acting as a proxy for Israel, punishing a journalist simply for his opinions,” Qadhi said on social media. “This is a step toward a fascist system where dissenting voices are criminalized.”
He added that the move reflects the “deepest wave of anti-Muslim sentiment in recent memory.” Qadhi urged Americans to defend free expression regardless of their stance on Hamdi’s views.
Who Is Sami Hamdi?
Sami Hamdi serves as the Managing Director of The International Interest, a global intelligence and risk analysis firm advising governments and corporations on geopolitical and commercial developments across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
He is a graduate of SOAS University of London, holding both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Hamdi has appeared on BBC, Al Jazeera, TRT World, and Sky News, where he frequently provides commentary on global political affairs.
His recent Sky News interview about the ongoing Gaza crisis gained widespread attention before his detention. Hamdi’s background reflects a lifelong exposure to political activism—his father, Mohamed Hechmi Hamdi, was a prominent Tunisian dissident and journalist who opposed dictatorship in Tunisia.
In a past interview, Hamdi credited a book titled “Road to Mecca” by Muhammad Asad for inspiring his journey into global affairs.
“I remember reading that book and saying, ‘Allah, I want to live a life that makes a difference like this man,’” Hamdi once said.
Conclusion
The detention of Sami Hamdi has ignited debates on press freedom, Islamophobia, and political bias in immigration enforcement. Civil rights groups warn that silencing critics of foreign governments contradicts the principles of free expression and democracy that the United States claims to uphold.
CAIR and its allies continue to press for Hamdi’s release, describing his case as a litmus test for America’s commitment to justice and freedom of speech.
