THE family of a British journalist detained by US immigration forces over his support for Palestinian rights have urged the British government to urgently intervene as his health deteriorates. 

Sami Hamdi suffered a health emergency while being held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice), his family said yesterday.

In a phone call with his wife Soumaya over the weekend, Mr Hamdi said he was experiencing excruciating pain on his left side and needed immediate medical attention.

“He has now been able to access medical attention, but we remain deeply concerned that his continued detention is damaging his health,” the family said in a statement.

“It broke our hearts to hear our cherished Sami — a strong and resilient father, husband, and son — describe how badly he was suffering, all while being wrongfully held.”

Mr Hamdi travelled to the US for public engagements last week, during which his visa was revoked and he was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport. 

His legal team has raised serious concerns that his detention may be retaliation for protected speech under the first amendment, an argument that was acknowledged by a court.

“Nevertheless, we are baffled that he remains detained given he wants to return to Britain on the next departing flight,” his family said. 

“We demand the UK government intervene immediately to ensure Sami is immediately returned home to us before his health suffers any further.”

The family are urging supporters to contact their MPs to call for Mr Hamdi’s release.

Seamus Dooley, NUJ assistant general secretary, said:  “The circumstances surrounding Sami Hamdi’s detention by US authorities give cause for serious concern.

“Reports from his family that his health has suffered while in custody show that, in addition to raising wider concerns around freedom of speech, his detention is also taking a significant personal toll.

“There is no evidence that, as a journalist, he is guilty of a terrorist offence, and the NUJ urges the UK government to press US authorities for Hamdi’s release.”

A FCDO spokesperson said: “We are in contact with and providing consular assistance to a British man detained in the USA. We are in touch with the local authorities and his family in the UK”.