Lawfare Project Urges U.S. Officials To Revoke Visa Of Journalist Over Alleged Support For Terrorism

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — As global attention turns to the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Lawfare Project is calling on the United States government to revoke the visa of a journalist expected to cover the tournament, alleging he has publicly praised terrorism and promoted antisemitic rhetoric on social media.

The legal advocacy organization announced that it has submitted a formal referral to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), requesting that immigration authorities revoke the visa of London-based beIN Sports journalist Ibrahim Khadra and initiate removal proceedings if warranted under U.S. immigration law.

The referral relies on research compiled by investigative journalist David Collier and researcher Max Radford, who documented numerous public social media posts they allege demonstrate repeated expressions of support for Hamas and other terrorist organizations. The Lawfare Project argues that those statements are incompatible with U.S. immigration standards governing support for designated foreign terrorist organizations.

The allegations concerning Khadra have not been adjudicated by a court, and there has been no public indication that U.S. authorities have reached any conclusions regarding the referral.

Referral Delivered to Members of Congress

The Lawfare Project expanded its advocacy effort this week by delivering copies of the referral directly to members of Congress.

Ken Reid, who leads the organization’s EndJewHatred chapter serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region, traveled to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to personally deliver the referral to Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Representatives Michael McCaul of Texas, Andrew Garbarino of New York, and Tim Walberg of Michigan.

According to the Lawfare Project, the effort was intended to ensure lawmakers were aware of the allegations before the journalist’s expected arrival in the United States for World Cup coverage.

The organization said direct engagement with elected officials forms an important part of its broader strategy to combat antisemitism and prevent individuals alleged to have supported terrorist organizations from entering the United States.

Allegations Highlighted by Investigators

According to the referral, the allegations stem from social media posts identified through research conducted by Collier and Radford.

The Lawfare Project alleges that Khadra described the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel as “far more exciting than football” and referred to the massacre as a “heroic operation.”

The organization also alleges that additional online posts expressed support for terrorist organizations and promoted antisemitic rhetoric.

The Lawfare Project argues that these statements warrant careful review by U.S. immigration authorities under existing federal immigration laws.

The organization emphasized that its referral requests an official government review rather than immediate administrative action without due process.

Concerns Ahead of the World Cup

The referral comes as the United States prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.

The tournament is expected to bring thousands of journalists, broadcasters, and media personnel from around the world into the United States.

The Lawfare Project said international sporting events should not provide a platform for individuals who have publicly praised terrorist violence or promoted antisemitic ideology.

The organization argues that individuals seeking entry into the United States should be evaluated under existing immigration laws governing support for designated terrorist organizations.

Advocacy Beyond the Courtroom

Founded to use legal advocacy to combat antisemitism and terrorism, the Lawfare Project frequently works with governments, educational institutions, and private organizations on issues involving civil rights, discrimination, and public safety.

The organization said its latest effort reflects that broader mission.

According to the Lawfare Project, Reid’s meetings on Capitol Hill transformed what might otherwise have remained an administrative filing into a broader public policy discussion.

By presenting the referral directly to members of Congress, the organization sought to raise awareness of the allegations and encourage lawmakers to examine whether existing immigration laws are being consistently enforced.

Immigration Law and National Security

Under U.S. immigration law, support for designated foreign terrorist organizations may constitute grounds for visa denial or removal, depending on the specific facts of an individual case and the applicable statutory provisions.

Whether those standards apply in any particular case is determined by federal immigration authorities after reviewing the available evidence.

The State Department and ICE have not publicly announced any action regarding the referral submitted by the Lawfare Project.

Likewise, no public response from Khadra or beIN Sports regarding the allegations contained in the referral was immediately available.

Continuing Debate

The case reflects broader debates surrounding journalists’ responsibilities, social media activity, and national security in the context of international sporting events.

Supporters of the referral argue that individuals who publicly praise terrorist violence should not receive visas to work in the United States.

Others emphasize that immigration decisions must be based on established legal standards and careful review of evidence.

For the Lawfare Project, however, the issue extends beyond a single journalist.

The organization argues that combating antisemitism and preventing the normalization of support for terrorism requires both legal accountability and public engagement.

As preparations continue for the opening of the FIFA World Cup, it remains to be seen whether U.S. immigration authorities will act on the referral or determine that no further action is warranted after completing their review.