LONDON — British political analyst Sami Hamdi announced on Thursday that he is contemplating legal action against U.S. authorities following his detention in an immigration center, which he attributes to his outspoken views on the Gaza-Israel conflict. Hamdi, who recently returned to the U.K., described his detention as a “botched” operation by “extremists” within the U.S. government, though he praised federal judges for ultimately exonerating him. Speaking to reporters and supporters near London’s Heathrow Airport, Hamdi emphasized that his ordeal was not just a personal attack but a broader assault on global freedoms. Hamdi, a Muslim commentator, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 26 during a speaking tour in the U.S., shortly after addressing a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in Sacramento, California. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that his visa had been revoked, and he was placed in immigration proceedings, with accusations of supporting Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamdi denied these claims, asserting that his comments were misinterpreted and aimed at highlighting the consequences of Palestinian oppression. He maintained that his actions were legal and within the scope of his visa, which he believes was revoked due to his advocacy for Palestine. Hamdi’s detention is part of a broader U.S. effort to address foreign nationals accused of supporting protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a policy criticized by civil rights groups as infringing on free speech protections. While Hamdi is considering legal action, he expressed gratitude for the “cooler minds” in the U.S. State Department and judiciary that ultimately supported his case. He confirmed that his voluntary departure from the U.S. carries no restrictions, leaving the door open for future visa applications.
British commentator Sami Hamdi mulling possibility of taking legal action against US over detention
