ICE detains British journalist Sami Hamdi in middle of speaking tour

ICE detains the British journalist Sami Hamdi; he is to be deported. All news here with the Zeitgeist.

British commentator Sami Hamdi has just been detained by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, better known as ICE. His visa has been revoked and he will be deported, even tho he has yet to finish his speaking tour in the United States. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has Hamdi in custody, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin posted on social media site X. "Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country," she wrote.

Hamdi had previously spoken at a gala for the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Sacramento and was scheduled to speak on Sunday at one of the group's events in the state of Florida, the organization said in a statement. As CAIR said, he was detained at San Francisco International Airport. They are calling for his release and accuse the government of detaining him over his criticism of the Israeli government.

Over the past few weeks conservative figures had been urging the Trump administration to expel Hamdi from the US. The journalist had denied supporting Islamic militants.

"Abducting a prominent British Muslim journalist and political commentator on a speaking tour in the United States because he dared to criticize the Israeli government's genocide is a blatant affront to free speech," CAIR said in a statement.

Far-right political activist Laura Loomer takes credit for Hamdi's arrest. Reuters and CAIR's lawyers failed to contact the detained man by Sunday evening.

Since January, the Trump administration continuously pursues a sweeping crackdown on immigration, including increasing social media vetting, revoking visas for people it claims praised the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and deporting student visa and green card holders who have voiced support for Palestinians and criticized Israel's conduct in the Gaza war.