In a striking development at San Francisco International Airport, a British journalist has been detained by U.S. authorities over suspected connections to a controversial organization.
According to Breitbart, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Sami Hamdi, suspected of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, was arrested on Sunday and is now in custody with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending deportation.
Hamdi, a British national, arrived at the San Francisco airport on Sunday, where he was apprehended by ICE officials. The arrest, as reported by various outlets, came as a surprise to many who knew of Hamdi’s work as a journalist. DHS officials stated that the decision to detain him was based on national security concerns.
Following his detention, DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin announced that Hamdi’s visa had been revoked. She emphasized the Trump administration’s firm stance on individuals perceived as threats. “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin also credited specific officials for their role in the operation. “Thanks to the work of @Sec_Noem and @SecRubio and the men and women of law enforcement, this individual’s visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal,” she added. The swift action has drawn both support and criticism from various groups.
According to DHS sources, Hamdi was reportedly en route to Tampa, Florida, for an event. The event was hosted by an organization described by investigative journalist Laura Loomer as having ties to extremist ideologies. This raised red flags among security officials monitoring his travel plans.
Investigative journalist Amy Mek has provided additional context on Hamdi’s activities in the U.S. She claimed that he had been speaking at various mosques and universities across the country. Mek suggested that his movements appeared to be unrestricted until this recent incident.
Mek further alleged that Hamdi was involved in efforts to train individuals in specific tactics. She described these efforts as focusing on digital strategies and political disruption. According to Mek, these activities were aligned with ideologies linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Mek also pointed to Hamdi’s past engagements outside the U.S. as evidence of concern. She noted that he had appeared in programs alongside figures banned for extremist views. These associations, she argued, warranted scrutiny by American authorities.
Additionally, Mek claimed that Hamdi delivered talks within the U.S. aimed at mobilizing activists. She stated that these speeches were intended to influence individuals within key institutions. Her assertions have added fuel to the ongoing debate about his presence in the country.
“Sami Hamdi is not a journalist passing through America — he is a deployed actor from an overseas cadre system that grooms Western Muslims for on-shore mobilization,” Mek said. Her strong words have intensified discussions around Hamdi’s true intentions. Critics, however, argue that such claims lack sufficient evidence and may be exaggerated.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has publicly condemned the arrest. “Our attorneys and partners are attempting to address this injustice,” CAIR stated. “We continue to call on ICE to immediately account for and release Mr. Hamdi,” the organization added.
CAIR has also framed the detention as politically motivated. “Our nation must stop abducting critics of the Israeli government at the behest of unhinged Israel First bigots,” the group said. “This is an Israel First policy, not an America First policy, and it must end,” CAIR concluded.
The case has sparked a wider conversation about the balance between security and rights. Some fear that detaining journalists could set a dangerous precedent for press freedom. Others maintain that protecting national interests must take precedence in uncertain times. As Hamdi remains in ICE custody, the outcome of his case is still unclear. Legal teams and advocacy groups continue to push for his release. Meanwhile, authorities stand firm on their decision to deport him.
The public watches closely as more information emerges about the allegations. Debate continues over whether the evidence against Hamdi justifies such drastic measures. Until then, his detention remains a focal point of contention across political lines.