Sun Oct 26 23:20:23 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco airport, sparking outrage from civil rights groups like CAIR, who allege it’s due to his criticism of Israel. Supporters call it an attack on free speech. DHS claims Hamdi poses a national security threat, while far-right activist Laura Loomer celebrates his detention, claiming he supports terrorist groups. The incident is seen by some as part of a pattern of suppressing pro-Palestine voices in the US.

News Article:

British Commentator Sami Hamdi Detained in US, Sparks Free Speech Concerns

San Francisco, CA – British political commentator and journalist Sami Hamdi is in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after being detained at San Francisco airport on Sunday, prompting condemnation from civil rights organizations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has described Hamdi’s detention as an “abduction” and an attack on free speech, alleging it’s a result of his vocal criticism of Israel and its policies. Hamdi, a frequent critic of both US and Israeli policy, was in the US to speak at CAIR events.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Hamdi’s detention, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claiming his visa was revoked due to national security concerns. However, she provided no specific evidence to support this claim.

The detention has drawn criticism from Hamdi’s supporters and civil liberties advocates, who see it as political retaliation against critics of Israel. They highlight a pattern of Palestinian and pro-Palestine voices being denied entry into the US.

Far-right activist and Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer celebrated Hamdi’s detention online, falsely accusing him of supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. Loomer credited the RAIR Foundation, a pro-Israel pressure group, with escalating calls for Hamdi’s expulsion.

Shaun Maguire, a partner at Sequoia, alleges that Hamdi attempted to get him fired.

CAIR has vowed to fight the deportation order, warning that the detention sends a chilling message to Muslim and Palestinian speakers. Hamdi remains in US custody. The UK Foreign Office has been urged to seek clarification from the US government regarding the basis for his detention.

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