Streamer Hasan Piker Detained, Questioned Hours at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Hasan Piker, a U.S.-born Turkish American streamer and political commentator known for his criticism of President Donald Trump and commentary on the Gaza conflict, was detained and questioned for over two hours at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport after arriving from Paris. Despite being a U.S. citizen and a member of Global Entry, Piker was taken to a detention area where federal agents interrogated him about his political opinions, including his views on Trump, Hamas, Hezbollah, and other militant groups. Piker claimed the questioning was an intimidation tactic aimed at chilling free speech, asserting that it violated his First Amendment rights. Federal officials disputed Piker’s account, describing the inspection as a routine and lawful process applicable to any traveler and denying that his political beliefs were the cause. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, called Piker’s claims "lying for likes" and confirmed he was promptly released after the inspection. The incident has drawn attention amid ongoing concerns about government actions potentially targeting political speech and the rights of U.S. citizens during border inspections.