Hasan Piker Detained at Airport: Left-Wing Streamer Questioned

Hasan Piker Detained and Questioned at O'Hare Airport

Hasan Piker, a prominent left-wing political commentator in the United States, reports he was detained and subjected to questioning following his return to the U.S. from a trip to France. The incident occurred at Chicago O’Hare Airport.

Details of the Interrogation

During a live stream, Piker detailed the experience, stating he was asked about his perspectives on several political entities. These included former President Donald Trump, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Piker has consistently voiced criticism of President Trump and the United States’ continued military support for Israel. He indicated that the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent appeared to be familiar with his public persona.

Piker’s Account of the Questions

“The agent repeatedly inquired about my stance on Hamas,” Piker explained in a video. “My response was consistent: I stand with civilians and advocate for an end to the ongoing violence. I identify as a pacifist.”

He expressed a feeling that the interviewing agent was attempting to elicit an incriminating statement. Piker believes the agent was aware of his extensive online presence.

Despite being a U.S. citizen, Piker voiced concerns about potential detention at the border due to his political views. This concern stems from recent instances of U.S. citizens being wrongfully detained during a period of increased immigration enforcement.

DHS Response and Piker’s Rebuttal

A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official, as reported by NBC News, dismissed Piker’s account as fabricated for attention. The official claimed his assertions regarding the motivation behind the inspection were unfounded.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: “Our officers operate within the bounds of the law, not influenced by personal agendas.” She clarified that Piker was subject to a secondary inspection upon entry, a standard and lawful procedure applicable to all travelers.

McLaughlin affirmed that Piker was released promptly after the completion of the inspection.

Piker’s Counter-Argument

Piker strongly contested the DHS’s response. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disagreement.

“The DHS response is notable because they aren’t denying the event occurred,” Piker wrote. “Instead, they are omitting the specific, unusual questions asked and claiming I wasn’t targeted for my political beliefs.”

He further questioned the rationale behind inquiries regarding Trump, Israel, the Houthis, Hamas, and his past bans on Twitch.