Sami Hamdi freed from Trump-era ICE detention, returns to London

Sami Hamdi, a London-based journalist and political commentator, returned to the United Kingdom on November 13 after spending over two weeks in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Hamdi, who is also a father of three, was detained on October 26 at San Francisco International Airport. His detention came one day after he participated in the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) California annual gala.

According to Hamdi and his legal representatives, he was in the U.S. on a valid visa at the time of his detention. Officials initially cited a visa overstay as the reason for holding him. Hamdi’s team has suggested that his detention may have been linked to his public commentary on the conflict in Gaza, including discussions on ceasefire negotiations and international governance plans for the region.

While in ICE custody, Hamdi described challenging conditions. He reported being confined in a small space with dozens of other men, being restrained in shackles despite not facing criminal charges, and waiting for over eight hours to receive medical care. Hamdi said his experience reflected broader issues concerning the rights of journalists and the freedom to speak on international conflicts.

“I want to say that this wasn’t just an attack on me. It was an attack on the freedoms of ordinary Americans and citizens worldwide,” Hamdi told reporters upon his arrival in London. “It was an attack on their freedom to speak the truth in the face of hatred.”

Hamdi is known for his analyses of Middle Eastern affairs and has appeared on British television discussing developments in Gaza and other regional conflicts. He has also participated in international forums, including those hosted by the Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council. In prior speeches, he addressed the October 7 attacks in Gaza, clarifying that earlier remarks were taken out of context.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not directly respond to questions regarding Hamdi’s detention. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin reiterated that individuals considered a threat to U.S. national security or linked to terrorism are not permitted to work or visit the country.

Hamdi’s family described his detention as traumatic, noting that he spent 18 days in crowded conditions and was repeatedly restrained. Hussam Ayloush, CEO of CAIR California, called the detention concerning and emphasized its implications for freedom of the press and rule of law.

Hamdi is one of several foreign nationals with pro-Palestinian stances whose visas were revoked under the Trump administration. Earlier in 2025, graduate student Momodou Taal faced visa revocation and potential deportation after participating in pro-Palestinian protests.

Upon returning to London, Hamdi said he did not see himself as the focus of the story. “I am not the story,” he told reporters. “The story is one of the most heinous genocides of our time. The story is about children and civilians suffering as a result of conflict.”

His case has drawn international attention, raising questions about visa enforcement, the treatment of journalists in U.S. detention, and the limits of freedom of expression. Observers note that Hamdi’s detention highlights the challenges journalists may face when reporting on sensitive international issues while traveling to the United States.

Featured image via Youtube screengrab