On social media, many viewers were stunned after streamer Hasan Piker revealed that he was detained at a U.S. airport and questioned about Trump during a two-hour ICE interrogation.
A popular Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, known online as HasanAbi, has issued a serious warning to Americans.
His message comes after he was unexpectedly detained and questioned by immigration officials at a major U.S. airport.
This raised concerns about political expression under the current administration.
A streamer questioned over Trump criticism
Political streamer Hasan Piker says he was held at O’Hare Airport and questioned about his content on Donald Trump.
Political streamer Hasan Piker, known as HasanAbi, claims he was detained by ICE agents at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on May 11.
The incident occurred while he was traveling.
Piker described the incident during a livestream, saying he was pulled aside and taken to a back room detention area.
He was held for over two hours and questioned about his online political content.
Additionally, he was reportedly questioned about his views on U.S. President Donald Trump.
In his livestream, he said: ‘I don’t like Trump. What are you going to do? It’s protected by the First Amendment. I don’t like Trump’.
Streamer defends his speech as protected by the First Amendment
The incident has sparked concern about First Amendment rights. Many are questioning how political speech is being treated during border and airport screenings.
During his livestrea, Piker says his speech is legal but fears a future crackdown under the Trump administration.
He insisted he has not violated any laws.
Additionally, he also emphasized that his commentary is protected under the First Amendment.
He added: “Nothing I’ve done online is illegal as of now. Now 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.”
Additionally, he warned his audience, This is correct. I have immense privilege & was willing to put myself at risk to investigate what their line of inquiry would look like after seeing all the reports about immigration lawyers & other Americans getting detained for further questioning at the border.”
He expressed fear that Trump’s administration might attempt to criminalize speech in the future, targeting critics under the guise of national security.
While Piker has long been critical of Trump, this is one of the most direct encounters between his activism and federal authorities.
Social media reaction
Social media reacts with shock, warning others never to speak to agents without legal counsel
After Piker shared his story, viewers flooded social media platforms like X with reactions. Most expressed concern and offered legal advice.
One user wrote, “I’m glad Hasan was released, but DO NOT talk like that if you’re interrogated. Say nothing. Ask for a lawyer.”
Additionally, that post prompted a direct response from Piker, who acknowledged his privilege and said he took a calculated risk to see what would happen.
“I was willing to put myself at risk to understand their process,” he explained. “But others might not be as lucky.”
Legal professionals caution against speaking without a lawyer
Viewers in the YouTube comments of Piker’s stream shared a common warning. They urged others never to speak to agents without a lawyer present.
One viewer wrote: 100% do not talk without a lawyer. Incrimination can happen to anyone, even if they’ve done nothing wrong.
Another said: You don’t have to break the law to be charged or convicted. Silence is your best protection—always ask for counsel.
Multiple attorneys echoed this advice. Additionally, they highlighted the legal risks of voluntarily engaging with federal agents during detainment.