Milo Yiannopoulos, a British national and former editor for Breitbart News, has been deported to the United Kingdom following his arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a Louisiana airport. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Yiannopoulos overstayed his authorized visa and failed to appear for an immigration hearing.
DHS confirmed Yiannopoulos legally entered the U.S. through New York City on May 14, 2019, but remained in the country after his visa expired. An immigration judge issued a final order of removal on July 22 after his failure to attend a scheduled hearing.
Yiannopoulos was detained in Alexandria, Louisiana, a significant hub for ICE deportation operations, before his removal from the country. DHS officials indicated that being in detention is a consequence of choices made by individuals who violate immigration laws.
The DHS used Yiannopoulos's case to reiterate the enforcement of immigration policies, noting a reversal of a previous administration's policy that allegedly allowed individuals to travel domestically after entering the country illegally. The department stated that such travel would now only be permitted if it leads to departure from the United States.
DHS encouraged individuals with expired visas or who are in the country unlawfully to arrange their own departures voluntarily, suggesting the use of the CBP Home app. The agency also mentioned incentives for voluntary departure, including financial assistance and flights out of the country. Those who do not leave voluntarily, the DHS warned, face arrest and deportation without the possibility of future legal return.
Yiannopoulos gained national attention for his provocative commentary and appearances, which often sparked protests, notably at the University of California, Berkeley.