British journalist Sami Hamdi has returned to the UK after spending more than two weeks in US immigration detention, claiming his ordeal represents a "war against freedom of speech" targeting both American and British citizens.
Detention at San Francisco Airport
The 34-year-old London-based journalist was apprehended by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport on October 26th. Hamdi had travelled to America for a speaking tour when immigration officials took him into custody.
During his detention, Hamdi described being held in a crowded space with between 80 and 90 inmates, conditions he said caused him "sheer agony" as his health deteriorated. Family members and supporters campaigned vigorously for his release throughout the two-week period.
Political Commentary and Criticism
Hamdi, who founded global risk and intelligence company The International Interest, has been an outspoken critic of Israel's military actions in Gaza. He believes his detention directly relates to his political commentary and the changing American public opinion regarding Israel.
"The concern that they had was not that I was speaking," Hamdi told The Independent in his first interview after release. "The concern was that American public opinion is genuinely changing."
The journalist, who has visited every US state except New Hampshire over the past three years, commended American citizens for their courage and dedication to freedom. He noted that during his extensive travels across the country, he was "treated very well" by ordinary Americans.
ICE Detention Conditions
Hamdi provided disturbing details about his time in ICE custody, witnessing several individuals who had been detained for almost a year, including a 70-year-old former professor fleeing persecution. He described the relationship between ICE officials and inmates as "fraught" and characterized the agency's approach as "merciless."
"There's a cruelty to it," Hamdi stated, though he acknowledged his own "privilege" and high profile that ultimately secured his release when many others remain detained.
The journalist was released by ICE and returned to the UK on Thursday, November 13th, where he was greeted by family members.
Official Response and Broader Implications
US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin provided a starkly different perspective, describing Hamdi as "an illegal alien and terrorist sympathiser who cheered on Hamas" following the October 7th attacks.
McLaughlin stated that Hamdi had requested voluntary departure and that ICE was "happily arranging his removal from this country." She emphasized that under President Trump's administration, those who "support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country."
Despite his difficult experience, Hamdi maintained perspective, stating: "Nothing that happened to me compares to the genocide. I wouldn't dare complain about my conditions when I remember the pictures of Sidra's legs being blown up or Hind Rajab with the 320 bullets at her car."
The case has raised significant questions about free speech rights and immigration enforcement, particularly for foreign journalists commenting on sensitive political matters while visiting the United States.
