Hasan Piker, a socialist Twitch streamer with nearly 3 million followers, claims he was detained for two hours by US immigration officials after returning from France. Officials allegedly questioned Piker regarding his views on Hamas, Donald Trump, and potential terrorist connections. Homeland Security confirmed the questioning but said it was routine and unrelated to Piker’s political beliefs. Piker, known for controversial statements, including support for Hamas, believes he was targeted because of his political stance.
Detention Details and Official Response
Hasan Piker, a self-described socialist and prominent Twitch streamer, claims he was detained by US immigration officials at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after returning from a trip to France. Despite being enrolled in Global Entry, which typically allows expedited clearance for pre-approved travelers, Piker reports being held for approximately two hours. During this time, he alleges officials questioned him about his job, political affiliations, views on Donald Trump, and potential connections to terrorists, including Hamas.
Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin confirmed the questioning but characterized it differently than Piker. “Upon entering the country, this individual was referred for further inspection — a routine, lawful process that occurs daily and can apply to any traveler. Once his inspection was complete, he was promptly released,” McLaughlin stated. She emphasized that border officials “are following the law, not agendas,” suggesting the detention was standard procedure rather than politically motivated.
Asmongold drops a good one about Hasan “pics or it didn’t happen” Piker pic.twitter.com/5vMTbwU2Fg
— yeet (@Awk20000) May 6, 2025
Piker’s Controversial History
Piker has built his substantial online following through provocative political commentary from a far-left perspective. Critics have highlighted his statements supporting Hamas and making derogatory comments about Israelis. Despite his self-identification as a socialist, Piker maintains a lavish lifestyle that includes ownership of a $200,000 Porsche and a multimillion-dollar home in Los Angeles, leading to accusations of hypocrisy from detractors.
In a 40-minute livestream recounting his experience, Piker expressed concern that officials might confiscate his electronic devices, though that did not occur. He described the questioning environment as hostile and suggested officers were aware of his online identity. However, he also noted that at least one agent appeared sympathetic when discussing Israel’s war in Gaza and his views on Hamas, indicating a more complex interaction than simple political targeting.
Its always funny how Hasan Piker can pretend to be morally superior to everyone else when he has been to Diddy Parties and knows so much about them that his GF going to one made him break up with her.
This was before Diddy was exposed….
Hmmm….pic.twitter.com/rLFamBtSmt
— Malcolm FleX (@Malcolm_fleX48) May 6, 2025
Free Speech Concerns and Political Implications
Piker has framed his detention as part of a broader effort to intimidate and silence dissenting voices. “Nothing I have done online is illegal as of now,” he stated, suggesting concern about potential future restrictions on speech. Throughout the questioning, Piker claims he repeatedly emphasized pacifist positions, stating, “I kept repeating the same statement over and over again. I kept saying… ‘I’m on the side of civilians. I want the endless bloodshed to end. I am a pacifist. I want wars to end’.”
Some observers have raised concerns about whether the incident represents targeted harassment of individuals with anti-Trump or pro-Palestinian views under the current administration. The Department of Homeland Security has previously refuted similar claims from other individuals, maintaining that border inspections are routine and lawful. The New York Post has compared Piker’s account to other influencers who have posted what the publication describes as exaggerated accounts of encounters with immigration officials.