11/10/25 Reposted from newsweek.com
Sami Hamdi, a British Muslim journalist detained by immigration authorities last month, will be released according to a statement from his family and lawyers.
Hamdi, who was detained while on a U.S. speaking tour, has agreed to leave the country voluntarily. Immigration officials accused him only of overstaying his visa after it was revoked without prior notice, and no criminal or security allegations were filed.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek via email Monday, “Sami Hamdi, an illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer who cheered on Hamas following its October 7 terrorist attack, requested voluntary departure and, ICE is happily arranging his removal from this country.
She continued, “Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. That’s just common sense.”
The family of Sami Hamdi said in a statement shared with Newsweek, “Alhamdulillah, good news. The government has agreed to release Sami. He will be able to return home soon insha’Allah. Additional details forthcoming.”
Why It Matters
His lawyers said he was arrested in retaliation for his criticism of the Israeli government, while U.S. officials cite comments he made after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that they say appeared to celebrate the violence.
What To Know
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) said Hamdi will be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after he was detained at San Francisco International Airport on October 26.
CAIR-California CEO Hussam Ayloush said Hamdi “never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell,” adding that his detention raises concerns about press freedom and government retaliation against journalists critical of U.S. allies.
His lawyers said he was arrested in retaliation for his criticism of the Israeli government, while U.S. officials cite comments he made after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that they say appeared to celebrate the violence.
Lawyers with CAIR-CA and the Muslim Legal Fund of America filed a habeas corpus petition last month demanding that the government justify his detention and seeking a temporary restraining order to block his removal from the United States. They said the case reflects a growing pattern of political retaliation against foreign nationals who speak critically of U.S. allies.
The advocacy groups said Hamdi, 35, had been traveling on a U.S. speaking tour and was detained a day after addressing CAIR’s Sacramento chapter. He had been scheduled to appear at another event in Florida.
Federal officials have not alleged that Hamdi committed any crime but have cited his comments after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel as cause for concern. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin described Hamdi as a “terrorist sympathizer,” calling his legal efforts “a desperate Hail Mary attempt to keep an illegal alien” in the country.
Homeland Security referenced a video Hamdi posted shortly after the attacks in which he said, “How many of you felt it in your hearts when you got the news that it happened? How many of you felt the euphoria? Allah Akbar.”
Hamdi, a London-based reporter for The International Interest, has since said the remarks were not praise for Hamas but a reflection on Palestinian suffering and the emotional response to decades of occupation.
ICE said Hamdi entered the United States on October 19 on a visitor visa that was revoked five days later. He was placed in removal proceedings under an executive order directing officials to expel foreigners accused of supporting extremist movements.
What People Are Saying
McLaughlin said in a statement last month, “Following the Oct. 7 terror attack, Sami Hamdi cheered on Hamas. Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.”
CAIR said in a statement, “It is this simple: Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell. His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians. Sami’s case shows how quickly our government officials are willing to sacrifice our First Amendment and free press when a journalist uses his platform to dare put America first before Israel. His forthcoming release is welcome, but it does not erase the message this sends to every activist and journalist watching—and every authoritarian dictatorship worldwide who can now claim they are following America’s example.”
What Happens Next
Hamdi’s return to his family in the UK is being arranged.
Updates: 11/10/25, 3:01 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
