Far-Right British Commentator Milo Yiannopoulos Detained by ICE in New Orleans

Far-right British commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, known for previously being a vocal supporter of United States President Donald Trump, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A spokesperson for the US Department of Homeland Security told Al Jazeera that Yiannopoulos was taken into custody at the Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Thursday.

He allegedly overstayed his legal authorisation to remain in the US after entering the country through New York City on May 14, 2019. The spokesperson stated that Yiannopoulos was issued a final order of removal by an Immigration Judge on July 22, after failing to show up for his immigration hearing, and will remain in ICE custody pending removal.

The Department of Homeland Security also shared a photo resembling a mugshot of the 41-year-old on social media, warning that individuals detained for overstaying their visits would face arrest and deportation without a chance to return. Reports indicate Yiannopoulos was in New Orleans to attend a concert by the musician Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

Laura Loomer, a top Trump ally, appeared to take credit for the detainment, stating on the social media platform X that she reported Yiannopoulos to ICE and the FBI following years of public feuds between the two. Yiannopoulos, who previously had his account reinstated on X after Elon Musk took over the company, recently founded a Los Angeles-based talent management firm called Tarantula representing various controversial public figures.