U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on October 27 detained British political commentator Sami Hamdi at San Francisco International Airport, revoked his B-1/B-2 visa and signaled plans for deportation. Hamdi had been on a national speaking tour that included events organized by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said on X that individuals “who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.”
CAIR condemned the detention as retaliation for Hamdi’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, calling it a “blatant affront to free speech.” Advocacy groups note that the Trump administration this year expanded social-media vetting and has increasingly revoked visas of foreign nationals whose online statements are deemed supportive of extremist groups or hostile to U.S. allies.
For multinational conference organizers and universities, the episode is a cautionary signal that the content of guest speakers’ public remarks can trigger last-minute visa actions, threatening event schedules and potential reputational fallout. Legal experts advise issuing invitation letters well in advance, screening social-media histories and developing back-up plans—such as virtual appearances—for high-profile presenters.
Unlike refusals at a U.S. consulate, in-country revocations strand travelers without legal status and complicate onward travel plans. Businesses that sponsor visiting scholars should monitor clients’ I-94 expiration dates closely; once a visa is revoked, remaining in the United States can trigger multi-year bars on re-entry.
CAIR condemned the detention as retaliation for Hamdi’s outspoken criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, calling it a “blatant affront to free speech.” Advocacy groups note that the Trump administration this year expanded social-media vetting and has increasingly revoked visas of foreign nationals whose online statements are deemed supportive of extremist groups or hostile to U.S. allies.
For multinational conference organizers and universities, the episode is a cautionary signal that the content of guest speakers’ public remarks can trigger last-minute visa actions, threatening event schedules and potential reputational fallout. Legal experts advise issuing invitation letters well in advance, screening social-media histories and developing back-up plans—such as virtual appearances—for high-profile presenters.
Unlike refusals at a U.S. consulate, in-country revocations strand travelers without legal status and complicate onward travel plans. Businesses that sponsor visiting scholars should monitor clients’ I-94 expiration dates closely; once a visa is revoked, remaining in the United States can trigger multi-year bars on re-entry.
