Twitch Streamer Hasan Piker Detained and Questioned at Airport
Popular left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker reports being detained and questioned at Chicago O'Hare International Airport after returning from a trip to France.
In a YouTube video detailing the incident, Piker claims Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents questioned him about his views on former President Trump, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. He stated the agent seemed aware of his online presence and political commentary.
He kept asking things like, 'Do you like Hamas?' I repeated the same statement: 'I am on the side of civilians. I want the endless bloodshed to end. I am a pacifist.'
Piker expressed concern that the agent was attempting to elicit incriminating statements and worried about potential repercussions for his political speech, citing cases of US citizens detained under the Trump administration's immigration policies.
DHS Denies Targeting Piker for Political Beliefs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) denied Piker's claims. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated Piker was subjected to a routine inspection, a lawful process applicable to any traveler, and released promptly. She dismissed Piker's allegations as "lying for likes" and asserted that officers follow the law, not agendas.
Piker disputed the DHS response on X (formerly Twitter), questioning why he was asked about Trump, Israel, the Houthis, Hamas, and his Twitch bans if his political beliefs weren't a factor.
You can watch Piker's recounting of the incident on his YouTube channel.
For more information on US citizens detained under the Trump administration, see this article from New York Magazine and this article from The Washington Post.
See Piker's response on X here.
