Twitch Star, Hasan Piker, Detained at U.S. Border: Everything you need to know
14 May 2025 | Written by Parker Floris
From Brock Stoneham / NBC News file
Hasan Piker, known for his progressive political commentary and journalism on Twitch—was detained by immigration officials on Sunday after landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
“They knew who I was and they were ready to receive me. Let’s just say, it wasn’t a very warm welcome,” Hasan said in a later stream.
Hasan started his career, working for his uncle at The Young Turks. But in 2020, he went independent, streaming his gaming and political commentary on Twitch.
He gained wide acclaim for his reporting during the LA wildfires, particularly his interviews with inmate firefighters.
But he's also faced significant backlash from American conservatives, who view him as inflammatory and hostile to their foreign policy agendas—especially concerning the Palestinian genocide. Domestically, he's the largest donor to the Amazon Labor Union, which is ironic given that Twitch is owned by Amazon. More recently, he's also been highlighting the constitutional crisis surrounding the deportation of innocent American citizens to El Salvadorian concentration camps.
These factors likely contributed to what unfolded Sunday. Hasan stated on stream,
“I think they [detained me] because they know who the fuck I am and they wanted to put the fear of god into me, not knowing that I'm a stubborn piece of shit and that's not going to work at all.”
“I am going to use my privilege in that moment to try and see what the fuck they are doing”
After two hours of interrogation, he asked whether he was officially being detained—and was released soon after.
He said he was questioned about his views on Donald Trump, as well as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis (de facto rulers of portions of Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, respectively).
Hasan said he simply repeated, "They are designated by the State Department as terrorist groups," to avoid any appearance of support that could be used to justify indefinite detention.
While it may be reasonable to ask whether someone has ever provided material support to a foreign adversary (though no one would admit that at border control)—conflating journalistic communication with criminal activity is absolutely unacceptable, and sets a dangerous precedent.
To be clear: as far as anyone knows, Hasan has never communicated with a member of any of these groups.
“Nothing I have done online is illegal as of now,” Hasan said. “Laws may change in the future, and they might actually start prosecuting speech, which I do fear is the goal of this administration. But so far, everything I’ve done is fully protected under the first amendment.”
NBC reached out to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security who replied,
“Our officers are following the law, not agendas. Upon entering the country, this individual was referred for further inspection — a routine, lawful process that occurs daily, and can apply for any traveller.”
Hasan responded, “What part of a 'lawful routine inspection' requires DHS to question me about my political views, my opinions on Donald Trump, or my stance on Israel and Palestine?”
Last year, Al Jazeera released a scathing report into western media’s coverage of Palestine, documenting widespread pro-Israeli bias in editorial framing and coverage. This included outlets previously seen as neutral or even progressive, such as the BBC and CNN.
When these institutions, the supposed fourth estate, fail to inform and protect the public, society crumbles. That’s why independent journalists and commentators must be allowed to operate without fear of prosecution.
Major publications benefit from money and influence. When the Associated Press was banned from the White House for refusing to use the term "Gulf of America," they were able to sue their way back in.
In Australia, the government dropped its prosecution of ABC reporter Dan Oakes for revealing war crimes in Afghanistan—but continued prosecuting and ultimately imprisoning whistleblower David McBride, who risked everything to reveal the truth. The ABC and Oakes later ran a confusing hit piece on McBride. Friendly fire ... much.
Creators operating on new media platforms—while possessing their own limitations—have the ability to bypass editorial gatekeepers of the past. As we see more traditional publications head down the path Al Jazeera highlighted, or continue their monopolisation practices like Murdoch, or instances like how Jeff Bezos recently forced the Washington Post to focus on “personal liberties and free markets” in their opinion section—the need for independent voices becomes undeniable. Especially considering Bezos’ idea of “liberties” has often come at the expense of entire cities and his workforce.
In Australia’s last two federal elections, the Teals—socially progressive, economically conservative independents—flipped seats long held by the conservative Coalition. We need independent journalists and representatives to hold power accountable when it loses touch. Or to put it in market terms: democratic competition with civic KPIs, not profit motives.
So, should we be scared that free speech is eroding, and whistleblowers and journalists are being prosecuted for doing their jobs?
No. Now is the time to be brave—especially if, like Hasan, you occupy a position of privilege. Use your voice while you still can. Speak up for those who can’t. Because if you don’t, you may be the one they go after next.
On a brighter note, a fun fact …
Since 2020, Hasan has been live on Twitch for more than 15,300 hours. This equates to nearly 8 hours—every single day, without weekends or holidays.
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