British Man Detained by US Authorities for Alleged Support of Terrorism

Strategic Insights -

A 35-year-old British commentator on Middle East and North African issues has been detained by American authorities at San Francisco International Airport while on a speaking tour of the US. Sami Hamdi, who describes himself as a managing director of The International Interest, a geopolitical consultancy, was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. Hamdi's visa was revoked, and he is now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal. The Department of Homeland Security stated that he will not be allowed to work or visit the US due to his alleged support of terrorism.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sami Hamdi, a 35-year-old British commentator, was detained by US authorities at San Francisco International Airport while on a speaking tour.
  • Hamdi's visa was revoked, and he is currently in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody pending removal.
  • The Department of Homeland Security stated that Hamdi's 'support of terrorism' is the reason for his detention and removal from the US.
  • Hamdi frequently posts anti-Israeli content on social media and has been interviewed on TV, giving his opinion on conflict in the Middle East.
  • Hamdi claimed that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want the war in Gaza to end.
  • Hamdi praised the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis, saying 'Celebrate the victory! Allah has shown the world that no normalization can erase the Palestinian cause.'
  • Hamdi was banned from speaking at two universities in Canada due to his opinions.

Statistics:

  • Hamdi was detained at San Francisco International Airport on [no specific date provided].
  • The Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis.
  • 10 days after the Hamas attacks, Hamdi was filmed praising the atrocity.

Sources:

Department of Homeland Security

A senior US immigration official.