Far-right commentator and former chief of staff for Kanye West, Milo Yiannopoulos, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The 41-year-old British national was taken into custody at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on August 27, according to Homeland Security.
Overstayed Visa and Removal Order
Homeland Security stated that Yiannopoulos legally entered the U.S. in May 2019 via New York City but overstayed his visa. The agency said he will "remain in ICE custody" until he is removed from the country. An Immigration Judge issued a final order of removal on July 22 after Yiannopoulos failed to appear for his immigration hearing.
"Yiannopoulos legally entered the country on May 14, 2019, through New York City, New York," Homeland Security said in a post on X/Twitter. "He chose to overstay his welcome in violation of our nation's laws."
Background and Controversies
Yiannopoulos previously branded himself the "most fabulous supervillain on the internet" and was employed by rapper Kanye West during the musician's failed 2024 U.S. presidential election campaign. He also served as an intern for U.S. Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and worked for right-wing outlet Breitbart, from which he resigned after footage emerged of him making light of child sex offences. He later apologised for the remarks.
After rising to prominence during the Gamergate movement in 2014, Yiannopoulos frequently attracted controversy through attacks against transgender people, Muslims and other members of the LGBTQ+ community, despite previously identifying as gay and later branding himself an "ex-gay." Although he championed Donald Trump in the 2016 election, he later criticised the president, stating earlier this year that Trump "has lost his way, bought off by foreign interests."
ICE Warning to Others
In its statement, Homeland Security encouraged all illegal aliens to "take control of their departure with the CBP Home App," noting that the United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport. "We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return," the agency said.
