A US-based activist known for anti-Islam rhetoric has been barred from entering the United Kingdom after the government ruled her presence would not serve the public interest.
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The decision by the Home Office prevents Valentina Gomez from travelling to the UK, where she had planned to speak at a demonstration in London next month.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood determined that Gomez’s entry “would not be conducive to the public good,” according to the department.
Planned appearance at London rally
Gomez had announced she intended to attend the Unite the Kingdom rally in London on 16 May, an event organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
She said on social media last week that she would address supporters at the gathering.
Following the Home Office decision, Gomez responded online by challenging the ban. In a video posted on the social media platform X, she suggested she would attempt to reach Britain by crossing the Channel in a small boat and dared the authorities to stop her.
“They can try to ban me, but they cannot ban the TRUTH,” she wrote, adding: “See you on May 16th.”
Controversial rhetoric and past actions
Gomez has previously run for political office in the US states of Missouri and Texas on a platform strongly critical of Islam.
During earlier campaigning, she released a social media video in which she burned a copy of the Quran. At a previous Unite the Kingdom march in London in September, she delivered remarks that described Muslims in derogatory terms and accused Islam of being used to undermine Christian nations.
Born in Colombia, Gomez had said she planned to return to Britain specifically to speak at the upcoming rally.
Before the government’s intervention, she indicated that she had received approval to travel to the UK. Posting on Instagram, she wrote “VISA APPROVED” alongside a message suggesting her entry had been cleared.
Pressure from Muslim organisations
The prospect of Gomez entering the country prompted criticism from community groups.
The Muslim Council of Britain wrote to the Home Secretary expressing concern that the activist might be allowed to appear publicly in the UK.
In a letter published on 17 April, the organisation argued that allowing Gomez to speak at a rally would risk legitimising views it described as discriminatory and could signal inconsistent application of the Home Office’s standards for entry.
Following the government’s decision, the council welcomed the move, saying it should set a precedent for dealing with individuals who promote misinformation or hostility.
Government powers to refuse entry
British authorities have previously used immigration powers to block public figures from entering the country when officials believe their presence could inflame tensions.
Earlier in April, the government refused permission for rapper Kanye West to travel to the UK to perform at Wireless Festival, citing concerns over past antisemitic remarks.
The Home Office has not provided further details about the specific factors considered in Gomez’s case but said the decision was taken in line with the government’s duty to protect public safety and social cohesion.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 21 April 2026
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