U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has detained British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi, a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Mr Hamdi was on a speaking tour in the United States when he was apprehended by the immigration officials at San Francisco Airport on Sunday morning, according to a statement by the Council on American–Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in a post on X on Sunday, said Mr Hamdi’s visa has been revoked and plans are underway to deport him.

“Those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country,” she added.

“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 said, adding that it would provide legal assistance to Hamdi.

The Muslim Council of Britain called on the British government to provide Mr Hamdi with diplomatic assistance.

“Press freedom cannot be selective,” the association wrote on X.

(dpa/NAN)