Left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker says he was detained and questioned at airport

Published: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 3:51 pm

Hasan Piker Detained at Chicago Airport, Sparks Controversy

Popular left-wing Twitch streamer Hasan Piker has ignited a firestorm of controversy after claiming he was detained and questioned at Chicago's O'Hare Airport upon returning to the U.S. from France. Piker, known for his political commentary, alleges that a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent questioned him about his views on Donald Trump, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

In a live stream detailing the experience, Piker stated the agent seemed aware of his online presence and repeatedly pressed him on his stance regarding Hamas. Piker, a U.S. citizen, emphasized his pacifist views and desire for an end to the conflict. He expressed concern that his political speech could lead to wrongful detention, referencing past instances of U.S. citizens being detained during the Trump administration's immigration crackdowns.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded to Piker's claims, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating that Piker is "lying for likes" and that his political beliefs did not trigger the inspection. McLaughlin asserted that the inspection was a routine, lawful process applicable to any traveler and that Piker was released promptly after completion.

Piker has vehemently refuted the DHS's response on X (formerly Twitter), accusing them of omitting the "insane questions" asked during the interrogation. He questioned why he was asked about Trump, Israel, the Houthis, Hamas, and his Twitch bans if his political beliefs weren't a factor. The incident has sparked debate about the potential for political targeting at U.S. borders and the limits of free speech. The situation remains a developing story, with Piker and the DHS offering conflicting accounts of the events.

Keywords: Hasan Piker, Twitch streamer, detained, Chicago O'Hare Airport, CBP, Customs and Border Protection, Donald Trump, Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, political views, free speech, DHS, Department of Homeland Security, immigration, controversy, interrogation, online presence, political commentary, United States, France, travel, border security.

Full Story