A left-wing social media influencer was reportedly detained and questioned for several hours by federal agents at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, raising concerns about civil liberties violations.
Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer known for his outspoken political commentary, described the encounter as "intimidating," and "deeply concerning." He says he was detained and interrogated by a federal agent about his online activity, political affiliations, and his opinion on Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
Piker believes the detainment was designed to discourage him and others from speaking out against the Trump administration. "The goal here is to put fear into people's hearts," he said. "This administration, they are totally willing and able to come after you for your speech."
According to Piker, he was taken to a detainment area, where he waited among "terrified families" until an agent called him into an interrogation room outfitted with metal chairs attached to the floor. Piker noted that, because of his position of privilege as a US citizen who has the financial means to fight potential legal charges, he spoke openly with the agent, rather than demanding a lawyer.
Many of the agent's questions began with, "Well, since you mentioned it," as the conversation gradually honed in on Piker's Twitch channel, if he talks about the news, and his political opinions, Piker described. "It's very obvious that they knew exactly who the f--- I was," he said. "They wanted me to say something incriminating."
"They tried to get something out of me that I think they could use to basically detain me permanently," he added.
Eventually the agent's focus reportedly narrowed to questions regarding Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, repeatedly asking Piker if he supported the groups, if he had contact with members, if he offered financial support, and if he supported the administration's designation of each group as a terrorist organization.
"Every single thing they asked me — trying to get me to say something like, 'Oh I support Hamas,' or whatever — is literally not allowed," Piker reflected. "I'm an American citizen, you can't just stop me at the border and be like, 'What's your opinion on Donald Trump? You're not allowed to enter the nation.'"
Piker recounted telling the agent he wants an end to war and identifies as a pacifist, repeatedly explained his political position and defended the legality of his discussion of current events online. A few hours into the ordeal, Piker asked the agent if he was being detained, or if he was free to leave, which seemed to end the conversation. However, the agent allegedly warned it could happen again as he handed over a sheet of paper directing any questions to a Department of Homeland Security website.
"If they can do this to me, they are probably willing and able to do this to others," Piker warned. "But you should know your rights. You should not be fearful, especially if you're an American citizen."
"I hope this doesn't discourage others from speaking out," Piker concluded. "They don't have the right to do this."
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