Milo Yiannopoulos, a British national and right-wing commentator, has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Louisiana for allegedly overstaying his visa. The arrest occurred at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
According to federal officials, Yiannopoulos entered the United States legally in May 2019 but subsequently remained in the country beyond his authorized stay. He reportedly missed an immigration hearing and was issued a final order of removal on July 22.
Prior to his detention, Yiannopoulos was a vocal proponent of stringent immigration enforcement. In June 2025, he advocated for the implementation of ICE checkpoints in various public spaces, including supermarkets and government buildings, to facilitate immediate deportation for individuals unable to prove their legal status in the U.S. He also stated on January 9 that interfering with deportation operations should be met with lethal force.
Yiannopoulos, who previously served as an editor for Breitbart News and was associated with Kanye West's political ventures, has a history of making public statements about immigration and deportation. In March 2025, he questioned the purpose of ICE if it was perceived as not fulfilling its duties. He also expressed support for granting legal immunity to ICE agents while on duty and suggested the justice system should be aligned with ICE's functions. He frequently used deportation as a theme in his social media posts, making jokes about potential deportations based on trivial factors like vehicle ownership or music preferences.
In August 2024, Yiannopoulos also urged his British followers to take measures against migrants in the United Kingdom. Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed responsibility for Yiannopoulos's arrest, stating she exposed his immigration status. Yiannopoulos is currently being held in Alexandria, Louisiana. Neither the Department of Homeland Security nor representatives for Yiannopoulos have responded to requests for comment.