Sami Hamdi to Voluntarily Depart U.S. After Immigration Detention

Wed Nov 12 2025 01:33:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

British commentator Sami Hamdi, detained for over two weeks in the U.S. reportedly due to his criticism of Israel, has agreed to leave voluntarily amidst broader immigration enforcement actions.

Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, will voluntarily leave the U.S. after a detention of over two weeks by ICE. Critics have highlighted that his detention follows his outspoken remarks on Israel's actions, suggesting a troubling trend in immigration enforcement towards individuals expressing dissent. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned his treatment, asserting it infringes on free speech rights. Hamdi's case has sparked debates around the intersection of immigration policy and freedom of expression.

After facing over two weeks of detention in the U.S., British political commentator Sami Hamdi has chosen to depart voluntarily. His detention, which began shortly after he criticized Israel during a speaking event, has raised significant concerns regarding immigration practices targeting dissenting voices.

Hamdi, who has drawn attention for his remarks about Israel's military operations in Gaza, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 26. His detention coincided with heightened actions by the Trump administration against foreigners deemed to be inciting unrest or supporting protests against Israel's actions.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) strongly denounced Hamdi's arbitrary detention, emphasizing that his primary 'offense' was speaking out against Israel's actions, which they describe as 'genocidal war crimes.' CAIR's California chapter CEO, Hussam Ayloush, expressed that Hamdi should never have spent a night in detention.

Hamdi's departure plans are currently being arranged, and according to statements from CAIR officials, he will not face restrictions on seeking future U.S. visas. Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman confirmed that Hamdi had requested voluntary departure, a path which enables him to leave without further complications.

Critics have highlighted that Hamdi's treatment illustrates a concerning trend of silencing dissent through immigration control. Hamdi had previously remarked after the October 7 Hamas attacks, framing his comments as reflections on the oppression faced by Palestinians, not endorsements of violence.

The situation has prompted discussions around the boundaries of free speech rights for non-citizens within the United States, as the government continues to assert its authority to revoke visas based on perceived threats to national security.

The State Department has refrained from detailing the specific reasons behind Hamdi's visa revocation but indicated that it aims to prevent foreigners who are seen as threats from entering the U.S. This case may add to the ongoing discourse on civil liberties and immigration policies impacting freedom of expression.