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A British commentator has been detained by US immigration authorities and had his visa revoked while on a speaking tour in America. Sami Hamdi was stopped from giving a talk at a Council on American Islamic Relations event in Florida on Sunday, according to a Homeland Security official.
Mr Hamdi is managing director of The International Interest, a global risk and intelligence company, and has appeared as an analyst and commentator on British TV networks. He had spoken at a Cair gala in California on Saturday before his planned Florida appearance.
Official justification for detention
Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin defended the action in a statement on Sunday. She said: "Thanks to the work of (Kristi Noem) and (Marco Rubio) and the men and women of law enforcement, this individual's visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal."
McLaughlin added: "Under President (Donald) Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. It's common sense."
Allegations of political targeting
Cair described the detention as "a blatant affront to free speech" and claimed Mr Hamdi was held at San Francisco International Airport "because he dared to criticise" the Israeli government over the war in Gaza. The organisation said: "We call on ICE to immediately account for and release Mr Hamdi, whose only 'crime' is criticising a foreign government that committed genocide."
The group's attorneys and partners are reportedly working to address what it called "this injustice".
British response and conflict context
The Foreign Office confirmed it is providing consular assistance to the detained British national. A spokeswoman said: "We are in contact with the family of a British man detained in the USA and are in touch with the local authorities."
Israel's offensive in Gaza followed the October 2023 incursion by Hamas in which more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed and 251 taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed in the fighting since Israel invaded Gaza, which has now halted under a fragile US-brokered ceasefire.
A UN Commission of Inquiry last month assessed that Israel was committing genocide, though Israel denies the allegation. Israel says its offensive has sought to target Hamas and not civilians.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
