Sami Hamdi, a British Muslim journalist detained by immigration authorities last month, will be released according to a statement from his family and lawyers.
The family of Sami Hamdi said: “Alhamdulillah, good news. The government has agreed to release Sami. He will be able to return home soon insha’Allah. Additional details forthcoming.”
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA) said Hamdi will be released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after he was detained at San Francisco International Airport on Oct. 26.
Hamdi, who was detained while on a U.S. speaking tour, has agreed to leave the country voluntarily. Immigration officials accused him only of overstaying his visa after it was revoked without prior notice, and no criminal or security allegations were filed.
CAIR-California CEO Hussam Ayloush said Hamdi “never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell,” adding that his detention raises concerns about press freedom and government retaliation against journalists critical of U.S. allies.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
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