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British Commentator Sami Hamdi Lands in London After Two Weeks in U.S. Immigration Detention

The case underscores a clash between security-based visa revocations and allegations that U.S. authorities are punishing protected political speech.

British political commentator Sami Hamdi speaks to the media in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, on his return to the U.K. after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26 while on a speaking tour in the U.S.. (AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
British political commentator Sami Hamdi speaks to the media in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, on his return to the U.K. after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26 while on a speaking tour in the U.S.. (AP Photo/Thomas Krych)
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British political commentator Sami Hamdi arrives to speak to the media in London, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, on his return to the U.K. after he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Oct. 26 while on a speaking tour in the U.S.. (AP Photo/Thomas Krych)

Overview

  • Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport on October 26 after U.S. officials revoked his visa during a speaking tour in which he criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza.
  • He arrived back in London on November 13, saying two federal judges found serious breaches affecting his free-speech rights and describing himself as exonerated.
  • U.S. officials maintain his visa was cancelled under security rules and call him an illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer, asserting he was in the country unlawfully.
  • His family and legal team say he endured overcrowded, harsh conditions in custody; he accepted voluntary departure with no deportation order and is not barred from seeking a new visa.
  • CAIR-California challenged his detention in federal court, Hamdi is considering legal action against U.S. authorities, and rights groups link his case to a broader campaign of visa revocations targeting pro-Palestinian voices.