Overview
- ICE took Hamdi into custody at San Francisco International Airport on Oct. 26 after the State Department revoked his visitor visa effective Oct. 24.
- Homeland Security officials say he is in ICE custody pending removal and will be placed in immigration proceedings after entering the U.S. on Oct. 19.
- CAIR condemned the detention as an attack on free speech and said its attorneys are working to secure his release during his U.S. speaking tour.
- A DHS spokesperson cited national security, while conservative activists including Laura Loomer and RAIR publicly claimed credit for prompting federal action.
- Britain’s Foreign Office said it is in contact with Hamdi’s family and local authorities, as legal and diplomatic responses are expected to follow.