Washington D.C. – British-Tunisian commentator Sami El Hamdi is set to be released from U.S. immigration custody, his family announced Monday. This development comes two weeks after his detention, which occurred mid-way through a speaking tour.
“The government has agreed to release Sami, and he will be able to return home soon,” the El Hamdi family stated, adding that further details would be forthcoming. The family did not disclose the exact date of his release.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), when reached for comment, stated that El Hamdi was detained for being “unlawfully present in the United States.”
El Hamdi, known for his pro-Palestinian stance, was taken into custody by Homeland Security officials on October 24th. His visa was revoked, and officials initially stated he would be deported and prevented from completing his speaking engagements in the U.S.
Following the arrest, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson asserted that individuals who “support terrorism and undermine U.S. national security” would not be permitted to operate or visit the country. This statement was made in reference to policies under the current administration.
Prior to his detention, El Hamdi spoke at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in California. He was scheduled to speak at another CAIR event in Florida when he was detained at San Francisco International Airport.
CAIR released a statement Monday, indicating that El Hamdi had accepted an offer to voluntarily depart the United States. They added that the charge against him related to overstaying his visa, which they claim was revoked “without cause or prior notice.”
CAIR official Husam Ayloush emphasized that “Sami’s case demonstrates how quickly government officials are willing to sacrifice the First Amendment and freedom of the press when a journalist uses his platform to speak about America before Israel.”
