Increased Scrutiny at U.S. Borders: Hasan Piker's Experience Highlights Growing Concerns

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff   

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering the USA

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Image Source: Philip Faraone, Getty Images

Political commentator and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker recently shared his unsettling experience with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, shedding light on the heightened scrutiny faced by travelers at U.S. borders. Piker, who arrived from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to attend a speaking event at the University of Chicago, was pulled aside for questioning while passing through the Global Entry line.

"It was definitely tense, because you never know where this is going to head," Piker recounted. As an American citizen born in New Jersey, he expressed that he was "expecting" to be flagged, having heard stories of other citizens facing similar scrutiny. Despite having undergone Gunshot Residue (GSR) tests and Secondary Security Screening Selection (SSSS) in the past, this marked the first instance where he was taken aside and questioned by officers for an extended period.

During the two-hour inspection, Piker was interrogated about his political beliefs, potential connections to the militant group Hamas, his opinions on former President Donald Trump, and the circumstances surrounding his Twitch ban. "The specific style of questioning that revolved around my commentary made me feel as though this was not just targeted, this was deliberate," he stated. He was released shortly after inquiring whether he was being detained.

Piker speculated that the questioning was an intimidation tactic aimed at creating a chilling effect on political dissent. In response, a CBP official asserted that Piker's inspection was not politically motivated, stating, "Claims his political belief triggered the inspection are baseless." The agency emphasized that the inspection was a routine process applicable to any traveler.

As a public figure, Piker felt it was important to share his experience to educate others about the potential challenges faced by travelers entering the U.S. Many, including American citizens, are increasingly uncertain about their rights and the implications of border inspections.

The tightening of U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration has led to increased vetting and questioning of travelers, even those holding U.S. citizenship. Immigration lawyer Glenn Schieck noted that officers may now be asking questions that were not previously on their radar, contributing to a climate of fear among travelers.

High-profile incidents involving university students and activists have raised alarms about the potential consequences of political expression. For instance, Mohsen Madawi, a Columbia University student, was detained upon arrival for a citizenship appointment, while Rasha Alawieh, a Brown University professor, was deported after her phone was searched and found to contain Hezbollah-related images.

Experts indicate that while border control searches have always existed, they have become more frequent since the implementation of stricter policies. Travelers may face questioning or have their electronic devices inspected to confirm their identity and intentions. The definition of threats to national security has also broadened, leading to concerns about the implications for free speech and political dissent.

CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham reiterated that all travelers entering the U.S. are subject to inspection, and that searches of electronic media are rare but necessary for combating serious crimes. However, the legal landscape surrounding travelers' rights at U.S. borders remains complex, with the Fourth Amendment protections diminishing within 100 miles of the border.

While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents retain their First Amendment rights, noncitizen visa holders and tourists may face denial of entry for refusing to answer certain questions. Immigration attorneys advise travelers to minimize searchable content on their devices and to be honest with border officers to mitigate potential issues.

As the landscape of U.S. border control continues to evolve, the experiences of individuals like Hasan Piker serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges and uncertainties faced by travelers in an increasingly scrutinized environment.