Group calls for Hamdi’s immediate release
CAIR, the nation’s largest Muslim advocacy organization, called for Hamdi’s immediate release. The group said Hamdi, 35, has not been deported and remains in U.S. custody.
After being alerted to his past and current statements related to the Middle East, a decision to revoke Hamdi’s visa was made on Friday, according to the senior U.S. official. The official did not specify what comments.
The official also said Hamdi was traveling in the United States on a visitor visa and not under the Visa Waiver Program, which he may have been eligible for as a British citizen.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, could not speak to why it had taken several days to locate and detain him.
Hamdi, a political commentator who often speaks out against Israel and the war in Gaza, is described on his LinkedIn profile as managing director of The International Interest, a risk and intelligence consulting group. It did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin indicated on social media Sunday that Hamdi’s “visa was revoked and he is in ICE custody pending removal.” ICE said in a statement that Hamdi entered the U.S. on Oct. 19 on a visitor visa.
“The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs revoked Hamdi’s visa Oct. 24, 2025, effective immediately. ICE detained Hamdi, as he was illegally in the country, and he will be placed in immigration proceedings,” ICE said.
A lawyer for Hamdi could not immediately be reached for comment.