British political commentator Sami Hamdi, known for his pro-Palestinian views, is expected to be released after two weeks of detention by US immigration authorities, his family announced Monday.
Hamdi was arrested on October 26 by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which revoked his visa and announced his immediate deportation, accusing him of posing a threat to national security. The Trump administration justified this decision by stating that it would not tolerate the presence of individuals "supporting terrorism" or "undermining national security."
His detention has sparked strong reactions among human rights and press freedom advocates. Several NGOs and journalists have denounced it as a politically motivated measure aimed at silencing a voice critical of Israel's treatment of Palestinians.
Hamdi's family stated in a press release that "the government has agreed to release Sami. He will soon be able to return home." The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which had supported the commentator since his arrest, confirmed that he had agreed to voluntarily leave the United States.
According to CAIR, Hamdi was arrested at San Francisco International Airport as he was preparing to continue his speaking tour. His visa was reportedly revoked "without cause or notice," placing him in the country illegally.
The Hamdi case comes amid a hardening of American immigration policy: since the return of Donald Trump At the White House, several holders of student or professional visas were expelled after expressing their support for the Palestinian cause or publicly criticizing Israel.
