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Mr Hamdi travelled to the US for public engagements last week, during which his visa was revoked and he was taken into custody at San Francisco International Airport.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

The Foreign Office was approached for comment.