Hasan Piker, one of the main political experts on Twitch, said Monday that he was arrested and questioned by Customs and Border Patrol of the United States at the O’Hare International Airport in Chicago during the weekend after a trip to France.
“They knew who he was and were ready to receive me, say, and it was not a very warm welcome,” said Piker, known as Hasanabi Online, to his followers during a live broadcast. The news of his arrest was first reported by the MAG user.
The Turkish American streamer, which has more than 2.8 million followers on Twitch, 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube and 1.2 million followers in Tiktok, is known for being a vocal in a series of political and social issues, including their support for the Palestinian peoples and criticism of Israeli leaders.
Piker said that on Sunday, when he returned from Paris, he was taken to an area at the airport with “fluorescent bulbs, the nine integers. [yards]”And he questioned for about two hours. He said he was asked about his views, including if he supports President Donald Trump and if he has been in contact with Hamas, the Houthis or Hezbollah.
“Obviously, the reason why they are doing is, I think, try to create an environment of fear for people like me or, at least others who would be in my place that do not have the same level of security, to close the F —,” said Piker.
Your video It occurs in the midst of a recent influx in the social networks of similar publications of people who had their interactions with immigration officials after their return to the United States, some said they were roasted about their use of social networks. Others said they feel eager to travel during a period of greater surveillance at the entrance points and the US borders.
When comments on Paker were requested, an official of the National Security Department called his account “nothing but lying for I like it.”
“The statements that their political beliefs triggered the inspection have no basis,” said Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin in a statement. “Our officers are following the law, not the agendas. Upon entering the country, this individual was sent for an additional inspection: a routine and legal process that occurs daily and can request any traveler. Once its inspection was completed, it was immediately released.”
Piker played the DHS response.
“What part of a ‘Legal Routine Inspection’ requires that DHS question me about my political views, my opinions about Donald Trump or my position on Israel and Palestine?” He said in a statement to NBC News. “The agent was cordial, but the experience, along with the reports of other Americans who face similar questions, seems to have the intention of creating a chilling effect on speech. As a taxpayer, I think CBP agents should focus on real threats, such as preventing agricultural risks or combating traffic, not interrogating people about their political beliefs.”
In his current, he noticed that it is his birth right as an American citizen to re -enter the country. He said he withdrew when asked about his political beliefs.
“I didn’t see any reason to contain certain things,” he said. “Then I said I don’t like Trump. I thought, what are you going to do? It’s protected by the first amendment.”
He said he felt that officials “literally tried to get me something that I think could basically use to stop me permanently, which is crazy. Because there is no direct connection or direct participation.”
Piker also said that he is registered in the Government Global Program of the Government, which helps accelerate the customs process for pre -approved travelers. As creator of Twitch with mass followers, he said he shared his experience to show others what is happening.
“And for me, I will use the privilege I have at that time to try and see what they are doing, okay?” said. “Because every thing they asked for, trying to say something like,” oh, support for Hamas or whatever, it is literally not allowed. ”
