A UK citizen who encouraged others to “celebrate” the October 7 Hamas massacre has been detained in the United States for “supporting terrorism” and faces deportation.
Sami Hamdi, who describes himself as a political commentator on the Middle East and North Africa, was arrested by US immigration officers on Sunday morning at San Francisco airport.
The journalist had spoken at the annual gala of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Sacramento branch in California on Saturday, and was scheduled to deliver another speech on Sunday in Florida when he was taken into custody.
Tricia McLaughlin, spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed his detention and explained the reasoning behind the arrest.
“This individual’s visa was revoked and he is in ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] custody pending removal,” Ms McLaughlin said.
Under President Trump, those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country. It’s common sense.”
Urged Muslims to ‘Celebrate’ Attack
Following Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel on 7th October 2023, which saw approximately 1,200 people killed including women, children and elderly civilians, Mr Hamdi urged Muslims to “celebrate” what he described as a “victory”.
Speaking at a mosque in London shortly after the massacre, he told worshippers: “We are pitying people who brought a huge victory since 1948. Don’t pity them, they don’t want your pity. Celebrate the victory.”
“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!” he added, using the Arabic phrase meaning “God is great”.
At the same event, Mr Hamdi denied widespread reports of sexual violence committed by Hamas terrorists during the attack, claiming instead that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “had to lie about rape”, according to the National Post.
Extensive evidence including survivor testimony, forensic examination and video footage has documented systematic sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas militants on 7th October, with international investigators confirming multiple cases of rape and sexual assault.
Canadian Universities Cancelled Speeches
Last year, two of Mr Hamdi’s speeches were cancelled by Canadian universities which had been set to host him following concerns about his inflammatory rhetoric.
A spokesman for Concordia University, which banned the commentator from speaking on campus, said that his speech would create a “culture of intimidation” amongst students.
The cancellations reflected growing unease about Mr Hamdi’s public statements regarding the October 7 attack and his characterisation of Hamas’s actions.
Calls for UK Action
Laura Loomer, an American conservative activist, called on British Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to take action against Mr Hamdi upon his return to the United Kingdom.
“Will she arrest him? Or will she allow this jihadi to roam the streets of the UK?” Ms Loomer demanded on social media.
The question highlights broader debates about how Western governments should respond to individuals who publicly express support for designated terrorist organisations or celebrate attacks on civilians.
CAIR Defends Detained Commentator
However, the Council on American-Islamic Relations rejected the justification for Mr Hamdi’s detention, framing his arrest as an attack on free speech.
“Abducting a prominent British Muslim journalist and political commentator on a speaking tour in the United States because he dared to criticise the Israeli government’s genocide is a blatant affront to free speech,” CAIR stated.
Our nation must stop abducting critics of the Israeli government at the behest of unhinged Israel First bigots.
The organisation’s characterisation of Israel’s military operations in Gaza as “genocide” remains highly contested, with legal experts divided on whether the conflict meets the technical definition under international law.
Hamdi Denies Celebrating Attack
Mr Hamdi has previously denied accusations that he celebrated the October 7 massacre, claiming his remarks were taken out of context.
He told the National Post he was “illustrating the international recognition that efforts to normalise relations in the Middle East must include Palestinian people” rather than expressing joy at the deaths of Israeli civilians.
The October 7 events underscore the failure of any approach that seeks normalisation at the expense of the Palestinian people,” Mr Hamdi said, attempting to reframe his comments as political analysis rather than celebration of terrorism.
However, his actual words at the London mosque specifically urged Muslims to “celebrate” and expressed enthusiasm about the “euphoria” felt by worshippers upon learning of the attack.
Visa Revoked After Entry
American authorities provided details about the timeline of Mr Hamdi’s visa revocation and detention.
“Mr Hamdi entered the United States on a visitor visa on October 19, through John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California,” officials stated.
“The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs revoked Mr Hamdi’s visa on October 24, 2025, effective immediately. ICE detained Mr Hamdi as he was illegally in the country, and he will be placed in immigration proceedings.
The visa revocation occurred after Mr Hamdi had already entered the United States and begun his speaking tour, suggesting authorities reviewed his background and public statements following his arrival.
October 7 Attack
The Hamas attack on 7th October 2023 saw approximately 3,000 terrorists breach Israel’s border from Gaza, attacking kibbutzim, military bases and a music festival.
The assault resulted in around 1,200 deaths, making it the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust. Hamas militants also kidnapped approximately 250 hostages, many of whom remain in captivity.
The attack sparked Israel’s ongoing military operation in Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas’s military capabilities and rescuing remaining hostages.
Free Speech Debate
The case raises complex questions about the boundaries of free speech, particularly regarding expression that celebrates or encourages terrorism.
Whilst the United States maintains strong First Amendment protections for speech, immigration law allows authorities to deny entry or deport non-citizens whose statements are deemed to support terrorism or threaten national security.
British law similarly prohibits encouragement of terrorism under the Terrorism Act 2006, though enforcement remains controversial with critics arguing prosecutions can chill legitimate political discourse about Middle Eastern conflicts.
Mr Hamdi’s detention demonstrates the Trump administration’s willingness to use immigration enforcement powers against foreign nationals whose rhetoric authorities deem supportive of terrorism, regardless of whether such speech would be legally protected for US citizens.
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