• British journalist Sami Hamdi will be released after agreeing to a voluntary departure from the U.S.
• Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco Airport while on a speaking tour.
• His detention raised concerns about the treatment of journalists and free speech in the U.S.

British journalist and political commentator Sami Hamdi is set to be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention following his recent arrest at San Francisco International Airport. Reports indicate that he accepted the government's offer to leave the country voluntarily, enabling him to return to the UK after being held for over two weeks, according to CBS News, India Times, and Al Jazeera.

Hamdi, who was visiting the United States for a speaking tour, was detained on October 26 and accused of overstaying his visa. However, immigrant rights advocates, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), argue that his visa was revoked without prior notice and believe that the motives behind his detention relate to his pro-Palestinian views, specifically his criticisms of Israel’s actions. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, labeled Hamdi an “illegal alien and terrorist sympathizer,” claiming that his voluntary departure was being arranged by ICE, according to India Times, and CBS News.

Hamdi's detention sparked significant backlash, with his wife, Soumaya Hamdi, demanding justice and questioning the U.S. government's rationale for holding her husband without formal charges. She emphasized that the government had provided “no evidence” justifying his detention for over two weeks, according to statements made on social media and reported by Al Jazeera.

The controversy surrounding Hamdi's case underscores broader issues about free expression and the safety of journalists, particularly those critical of government policies. CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush stated that Hamdi's detention was not justified by any alleged wrongdoing. He emphasized that Hamdi’s only “real offense” was speaking about Israel's actions during his speaking engagements, citing a broader trend of targeting activists and journalists with pro-Palestinian viewpoints, as highlighted by multiple sources including India Times and Al Jazeera.