WASHINGTON – Sammy Hamdi, a British journalist known for his criticism of Israel, has been arrested in the United States by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The journalist was taken into custody while on a speaking tour in the country. Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), confirmed the news on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Hamdi has been detained and his visa has been revoked.
McLaughlin further stated that Hamdi “will remain in ICE custody pending removal.”
Conflicting Narratives
The arrest has sparked a debate over the reasons behind the detention:
Official U.S. Stance: The Department of State and DHS have accused Hamdi of “supporting terrorism” and posing a threat to national security.
Critics’ Viewpoint: A Muslim advocacy group has argued that Hamdi is being “politically targeted,” and that his arrest violates his right to freedom of expression.
Official Statement
The U.S. Department of State commented on the journalist’s detention in a post on X, reiterating its hardline position: “We have said it before, and we will say it again: The United States has no responsibility to harbor foreigners who support terrorism and undermine the security of Americans.”
