Protest at ICE Detention Center Features Influential Activist
NEWARK, N.J. – Activist Hassan Piker unexpectedly joined a protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center, where he led demonstrators in support of individuals within a pro-China activist network backed by Neville Roy Singham, an American Marxist tech billionaire. He referred to these activists as “fantastic people” while brushing off questions surrounding his recent trip to Cuba.
When faced with inquiries about the connections between Singham’s network and extreme leftist groups, Piker acknowledged that there is an “environment of suspicion,” but insisted that their actions are “completely legitimate and completely legal.”
Recently, various members of the Singham network have orchestrated and incited protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in cities like Minneapolis, New York City, Los Angeles, and New Jersey.
Piker isn’t just any online influencer; he’s a significant figure on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, engaging millions of young viewers. He frequently supports candidates supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, often wearing their logo. His influence has grown, making him a notable voice in the political arena, particularly in advancing socialist and anti-establishment narratives.
The tech billionaire, Singham, has reportedly contributed $285 million since 2017 to nonprofit groups that spearhead divisive anti-American street protests, including those in New Jersey.
“I don’t personally know Roy Singham or anyone else in that network,” Piker clarified when responding to queries from Fox News Digital. “I know some people, and they’re generally great activists. It’s all above board as far as I’m concerned.”
This comes amid heightened scrutiny from federal authorities on activists traveling to communist Cuba, particularly those tied to a wide-ranging network of nonprofits funded by Singham and Jody Evans, co-founder of Code Pink.
According to reports, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued subpoenas to both Piker and Code Pink as part of an investigation concerning a convoy to Cuba in March. Piker claimed he hasn’t received any formal legal notice about it.
“I heard from Fox News that I have a subpoena, but that hasn’t happened yet. Honestly, you probably know more about what’s going on with the government than I do,” Piker stated.
Adding to this, CodePink’s co-founder Medea Benjamin mentioned that Evans received an email regarding the subpoena, which had ended up in her spam folder. “I thought someone was going to serve me, and it turned out to be an email that looked informal,” she said.
The OFAC has also sent a request for documents related to the March convoy, a trip organized by groups like the People’s Forum and Progressive International—both closely linked to Cuba’s communist government—protesting against U.S. sanctions on the island.
Piker was among those who went on the trip, alongside members of Code Pink and the 145 network. He described the investigation as a broader attempt by the Trump administration to stifle political activists, suggesting it contradicts Trump’s promises regarding free speech.
While discussing this, Piker welcomed the opportunity to debate Fox News host Sean Hannity.
A native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Piker traveled back from his West Hollywood home to attend a rally in Trenton for Adam Hammy, a controversial candidate supported by the Democratic Socialists of America. Piker defended Hamamy despite reports linking him to “extremist clergy.”
In a recent Twitch stream, Piker downplayed concerns about Singham’s connections to the Cuban convoy, even as he acknowledged funding a network of leftist nonprofits engaged in political advocacy.
Critics argue that Singham’s network acts as a coordinated infrastructure promoting pro-communist agendas, including support for authoritarian regimes that oppose U.S. policies.
When pressed about potential foreign influence, specifically from China, Piker reacted defensively, shouting at a questioner and mentioning prior allegations regarding his dog training practices, which he vehemently denied.
