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U.S. to Release British Journalist Sami Hamdi After ICE Detention

Supporters say he accepted voluntary departure after a hearing under a case officials frame as a national security matter.

Overview

  • Hamdi’s family and campaigners said Monday that authorities agreed to free him and that he will return to the UK following an immigration hearing.
  • ICE detained the London-based commentator at San Francisco International Airport on 26 October after his visa was revoked during a speaking tour.
  • CAIR-CA and Hamdi’s legal team say he chose voluntary departure and that the charging document alleged only a visa overstay, not criminal or security grounds.
  • DHS officials defended the move as protecting national security and cited a RAIR report that Hamdi and his team deny.
  • Hamdi’s wife reported a medical emergency and a postponed hearing during his detention, and the UK Foreign Office said it is providing consular assistance.