Key Takeaways
• Two Palestinian men with valid B-1/B-2 visas were detained and deported at San Francisco Airport in June 2025.
• No explanation was given by U.S. Customs and Border Protection for visa revocation or denial of entry.
• Protests erupted in San Francisco, involving faith leaders and civil rights groups demanding transparency and policy changes.
On June 12, 2025, two Palestinian men—Eid Hthaleen and Ouda Alhadlin—arrived at San Francisco International Airport with valid U.S. visitor visas. Instead of beginning their planned humanitarian speaking tour, they were detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, had their visas revoked, and were deported the next day. This incident has sparked protests, raised questions about U.S. immigration policy, and left many in the interfaith and civil rights communities deeply concerned.
Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who: Eid Hthaleen, a respected educator, and Ouda Alhadlin, a well-known artist, are both community leaders from Masafer Yatta in the West Bank.
What: They were denied entry to the United States 🇺🇸, detained overnight, and deported, despite holding valid B-1/B-2 visitor visas.
When: The incident took place on June 12-13, 2025.
Where: San Francisco International Airport.
Why: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided any public explanation for the visa revocation or denial of entry.
The Sequence of Events
Invitation and Visa Process
The two Palestinian men were invited by the Kehilla Community Synagogue in Piedmont, California, along with other Bay Area faith groups. Their visit was part of an interfaith humanitarian speaking tour aimed at fostering understanding and peace between Jewish and Palestinian communities. Both men went through the standard U.S. consular process and were issued B-1/B-2 visas, which are for visitors coming to the United States 🇺🇸 for business or tourism. These visas are commonly used for short-term visits and require applicants to show they will return home after their trip.
Arrival and Detention at SFO
On June 12, 2025, Hthaleen and Alhadlin landed at San Francisco International Airport after traveling from Jordan. Upon arrival, they were stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Despite having valid visas, they were detained, questioned, and ultimately told their visas were being revoked. The men were held overnight at the airport, with no clear reason given for their detention or the sudden change in their visa status.
Lack of Communication and Immediate Deportation
While the men were held, their hosts and supporters waited anxiously at the airport, receiving no direct information about their status. The next day, June 13, 2025, the two men were placed on a flight to Qatar, from where they would return to the West Bank. Their deportation was carried out quickly, leaving little time for legal intervention or advocacy.
Community Response and Protests
The news of the detention and deportation spread rapidly. About 100 protesters gathered at San Francisco International Airport, joined by others at San Francisco City Hall. Faith leaders, civil rights groups, and local officials condemned the action, calling it discriminatory and a violation of free speech. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) San Francisco Bay Area organized protests and demanded that U.S. Customs and Border Protection reverse its decision.
Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, a San Francisco official, led efforts to locate the men and advocate for their release. He described the detention as “an unconscionable act of censorship and discrimination.” Members of Congress, including Nancy Pelosi and Lateefah Simon, were contacted and issued statements condemning the denial of entry.
Policy Context and Broader Implications
Heightened Scrutiny of Palestinian Visitors
This incident comes at a time when U.S. immigration enforcement is under increased scrutiny, especially regarding visitors connected to Palestinian activism. Under the Trump administration, there has been a noticeable tightening of border controls and a rise in actions against pro-Palestinian activists and humanitarian visitors. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, such abrupt visa revocations at the port of entry are extremely rare, especially at San Francisco International Airport, with no similar cases reported in over a decade.
Chilling Effect on Humanitarian and Interfaith Work
Faith leaders and activists warn that the treatment of Hthaleen and Alhadlin could discourage future visits by humanitarian and interfaith delegations. Many worry that even those with valid visas and longstanding relationships with U.S. institutions can no longer trust that they will be allowed entry. This uncertainty threatens to undermine years of work aimed at building understanding and cooperation between different communities.
Silencing Dialogue and Free Speech
Supporters of the two men argue that the denial of entry is not just a matter of immigration enforcement but also an attack on free speech and peaceful dialogue. Ben Linder of J Street Silicon Valley described the men as “men of peace” and said the action amounted to “silencing of speech.” Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders have all expressed concern that such actions will make it harder to hold open conversations about peace and justice.
Legal and Civil Rights Concerns
Lack of Due Process
Immigration attorneys and advocates point out that revoking visas at the port of entry without explanation is highly unusual and raises serious due process concerns. Normally, visitors who have gone through the visa process and been approved by a U.S. consulate expect to be allowed entry unless there is a clear and immediate reason for denial. The lack of transparency in this case has left many questioning the fairness and reliability of the U.S. immigration system.
Pattern of Discrimination
Civil rights organizations, including CAIR, see the incident as part of a broader pattern of discrimination against Palestinian and pro-Palestinian voices in the United States 🇺🇸. They argue that federal policies have become more restrictive, especially for those connected to contentious international issues or activism. This pattern, they say, threatens the rights of visitors and undermines America’s reputation as a place of open dialogue and humanitarian engagement.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Supporters and Sponsors
The Kehilla Community Synagogue and other sponsors of the visit have expressed outrage at the treatment of Hthaleen and Alhadlin. They describe the incident as “cruelty beyond imagination” and a serious blow to interfaith and humanitarian work. For these groups, the men’s visit was meant to promote peace and understanding, not to create controversy.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Despite repeated requests from the media, local officials, and advocacy groups, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided any public explanation for the visa revocation or denial of entry. The agency’s silence has only fueled concerns about transparency and accountability.
Local Officials and Members of Congress
San Francisco officials, including Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, have expressed deep concern over the precedent set by this incident. They worry about the message it sends to immigrant and activist communities and have called for congressional oversight. Members of Congress, such as Nancy Pelosi and Lateefah Simon, have also condemned the action and may pursue further inquiries or hearings.
Background: Masafer Yatta and U.S. Immigration Policy
Masafer Yatta
The two men come from Masafer Yatta, a cluster of Palestinian villages in the southern West Bank. This area is under Israeli occupation and faces frequent threats of demolition and displacement. Hthaleen and Alhadlin are known for their work in education, art, and community leadership, often focusing on nonviolent resistance and humanitarian aid.
U.S. Immigration Policy Trends
The incident at San Francisco International Airport reflects a broader tightening of U.S. immigration and border enforcement. In recent years, there has been an increase in actions against individuals perceived as connected to controversial international issues or activism. This trend has raised concerns among civil rights groups and advocates for open dialogue.
Interfaith Initiatives in the Bay Area
The Kehilla Community Synagogue and other Bay Area faith groups have a long history of supporting Palestinian communities and advocating for peace. Their work often involves bringing together people from different backgrounds to promote understanding and humanitarian aid. The abrupt denial of entry for their guests is seen as a setback for these efforts.
Step-by-Step Breakdown: What Happened
- Invitation and Visa Issuance: Hthaleen and Alhadlin were invited by faith groups for a speaking tour and received B-1/B-2 visas through standard procedures.
- Arrival at SFO: They landed at San Francisco International Airport on June 12, 2025.
- Detention by CBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection detained them, revoked their visas, and provided no explanation.
- Lack of Communication: Hosts and supporters waited at the airport, unable to get information about the men’s status.
- Deportation: The men were held overnight and deported to Qatar on June 13, 2025, to return to the West Bank.
- Protests and Advocacy: Faith groups, civil rights organizations, and local officials quickly organized protests and called for transparency and a reversal of the decision.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants and Visitors
This case highlights the uncertainty that even those with valid visas can face at U.S. ports of entry. The lack of explanation and due process raises concerns for anyone planning to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for humanitarian, educational, or advocacy purposes.
For Faith and Civil Rights Groups
The incident has made it harder for faith and civil rights groups to organize visits and exchanges. Many worry that future guests may be deterred from coming, fearing similar treatment.
For U.S. Policy and International Reputation
The lack of transparency and the perception of discrimination could damage the United States 🇺🇸’s reputation as a country that welcomes peaceful visitors and values free speech. Calls for congressional oversight and policy review are likely to grow louder.
What Happens Next?
Ongoing Advocacy
Faith groups, civil rights organizations, and local officials are continuing to push for answers and policy changes. They are calling for congressional oversight and a review of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s actions.
Possible Congressional Action
Members of Congress have been contacted and may pursue inquiries or hearings to investigate the incident and its broader implications for U.S. visa policy.
Impact on Future Visits
The incident is likely to have a chilling effect on future humanitarian and interfaith visits. Many organizations may think twice before inviting international guests, especially those connected to contentious issues.
Official Resources and Practical Guidance
If you have questions or concerns about visa denials or treatment at U.S. ports of entry, you can find official information and contact details on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website. For those seeking advocacy or legal support, organizations like CAIR San Francisco Bay Area and local faith groups may be able to help.
If you are applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, you can find the official application form and instructions on the U.S. Department of State website.
Key Takeaways
- Even valid visas do not guarantee entry: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has broad authority to deny entry at the border, sometimes without explanation.
- Transparency and due process are ongoing concerns: The lack of clear reasons for visa revocation raises questions about fairness and accountability.
- Community response matters: Protests and advocacy can bring attention to these issues and push for policy changes.
- Future visits may be affected: The incident could discourage similar humanitarian and interfaith exchanges, impacting efforts to build understanding and peace.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the abrupt visa revocation and deportation of two Palestinian men at San Francisco International Airport is a rare and troubling event that has sparked widespread concern. The lack of transparency and due process has led to calls for accountability and policy reform, with many watching closely to see how U.S. immigration policy will respond in the future.
Learn Today
B-1/B-2 visa → A U.S. visitor visa for business or tourism, allowing short-term stays without work authorization.
Visa revocation → The cancellation of a visa by authorities, preventing entry despite prior approval.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection → Federal agency enforcing laws at U.S. borders, including immigration and customs inspections.
Interfaith humanitarian tour → A visit involving multiple religious communities aiming to promote peace and mutual understanding.
Due process → Legal requirement that the government respects all legal rights owed to a person.
This Article in a Nutshell
Two Palestinian community leaders were abruptly detained and deported at San Francisco Airport despite valid visas, sparking protests and raising serious concerns about U.S. immigration transparency and fairness in June 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
