Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported from the United States and returned to the United Kingdom, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson confirmed.
Yiannopoulos, who previously served as chief of staff for Kanye West, was arrested on Thursday at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. He was subsequently held in a detention facility before being sent back to the UK on Friday.
DHS stated that Yiannopoulos legally entered the U.S. in 2019 but violated immigration laws by remaining in the country after his visa expired. An immigration judge had issued a final order of removal on July 22, and Yiannopoulos reportedly failed to appear for his immigration hearing.
DHS also commented on his detention, stating, "Being in detention is a choice," and noted that undocumented migrants could self-deport for a fee and a flight. The department shared a photograph of Yiannopoulos appearing sullen in detention.
The arrest and deportation drew commentary from other right-wing figures. Laura Loomer claimed credit for his removal, stating Yiannopoulos had been "Loomered!" This statement followed a public falling out between Loomer and Yiannopoulos, who were once allies. Former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene denied Loomer's claims that Yiannopoulos had lived with her, calling Loomer a "vile liar."
Others, such as Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, expressed approval of Yiannopoulos' deportation with a simple "Good riddance" on social media.
Throughout his career as a political commentator, Yiannopoulos has advocated for immigration restrictions and mass deportations. In 2017, he stated he was in the U.S. on an O-1 nonimmigrant visa, which is designated for individuals with "extraordinary ability." He has publicly urged for increased deportations, writing in June, "We have got to deport millions and millions and millions of people. Without that, nothing else matters." He also suggested the implementation of ICE checkpoints at various public locations for on-the-spot deportation of individuals unable to prove legal status.
Yiannopoulos' association with Kanye West included his role as director of political operations for West's 2024 presidential campaign. In 2022, he helped arrange a controversial meeting between West, Donald Trump, and Nick Fuentes at Mar-a-Lago.
Yiannopoulos has since publicly criticized Fuentes. He has also characterized himself as "ex-gay" since 2021 and is in the process of divorcing his husband.