Kanye West was seen arriving in New Orleans with his wife, Bianca Censori, on Friday, ahead of a scheduled concert. The couple was escorted to the Caesars Superdome, where West was expected to perform. West appeared solemn, wearing dark sunglasses and a stoic expression.
This appearance occurred as Yiannopoulos, who serves as West's publicist, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and subsequently deported. Yiannopoulos was arrested on Thursday at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport after arriving on a flight. He was held in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility before being sent back to the United Kingdom, reportedly arriving Saturday morning PST.
DHS stated that Yiannopoulos had legally entered the U.S. in 2019 but had overstayed his visa, violating immigration laws. Yiannopoulos had previously been issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on July 22 and failed to appear for his immigration hearing, according to DHS.
Laura Loomer claimed responsibility for Yiannopoulos's arrest, stating she had advocated for such action for a long time. Loomer and Yiannopoulos, once allies, have since had a public falling out. Loomer also made claims regarding Yiannopoulos's past work and living arrangements with former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who denied the allegations and called Loomer a "vile liar."
Yiannopoulos, a figure known for his right-wing provocateur stances, previously served as West's chief of staff and worked as an editor at Breitbart. He has been a vocal proponent of immigration restrictions and mass deportations. In 2017, he indicated he was in the U.S. on an O-1 nonimmigrant visa, which is granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities. Yiannopoulos also played a role as the director of political operations for West's 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.
West did not address the news of Yiannopoulos's detainment and deportation during his New Orleans performance, according to reports.