Milo Yiannopoulos, a British national, was arrested by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on August 29, 2026. DHS officials stated that Yiannopoulos entered the United States legally through New York City in May 2019 but overstayed his visa after skipping an immigration hearing. He was issued a final order of removal on July 22, 2026.
Prior to his arrest, Yiannopoulos had publicly called for strict deportation measures, including ICE checkpoints in California. In a June 2025 post on X, he wrote, "California needs ICE checkpoints at supermarket entrances, gas stations, strip malls, intersections and government buildings, with on the spot deportation for anyone who can’t prove they are in the US legally."
Following the death of anti-ICE protester Renee Good in Minnesota, Yiannopoulos made a controversial statement suggesting that those who interfere with deportation efforts should face severe consequences. He also expressed support for legal immunity for ICE agents in September 2025, stating, "Total legal immunity for ICE agents when they’re on duty."
Yiannopoulos has made light of deportation in his social media posts, joking about various scenarios that would lead to deportation. He has also encouraged his British audience to take action against migrants in the UK.
Following his arrest, there are discussions about Yiannopoulos potentially being deported back to the United Kingdom. Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed responsibility for exposing his immigration status, stating, "Milo Yiannopoulos is in ICE custody after I exposed his illegal alien lifestyle." Yiannopoulos is currently detained in Alexandria, Louisiana. Neither DHS nor Yiannopoulos's representatives have commented on the situation.