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ICE detains Yiannopoulos
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained British far-right political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos in Louisiana after he was arrested at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Thursday, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“He chose to overstay his welcome in violation of our nation's laws”
A DHS spokesperson said Yiannopoulos “chose to overstay his welcome in violation of our nation’s laws,” after the spokesperson said he legally entered the United States in May 2019 through New York City.
The DHS spokesperson also said 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 that he “will remain in ICE custody pending removal.”
PBS reported that ICE’s online detainee locator did not say where Yiannopoulos was being held but directed family and legal representatives to the agency’s office in Alexandria, Louisiana.
The Independent reported that Yiannopoulos, 41, was apprehended at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and that a mugshot was released by the agency.
Loomer applauds, details diverge
Laura Loomer, described as a far-right activist and an ally of President Donald Trump, posted on X applauding Yiannopoulos’s detention and wrote, “Today is a great day for America,” according to The Independent.
PBS reported that representatives of Yiannopoulos did not respond to a request for comment and that it was unclear whether he had legal representation.
The Guardian said Yiannopoulos was listed in ICE’s online detainee database as being in “ICE Custody” as of Friday afternoon, while it did not disclose additional details including where he was being held.
NBC News said the DHS spokesperson told NBC News that Yiannopoulos was arrested on Thursday at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana.
WIRED reported that the ICE directory instructs family or legal representatives to contact the Enforcement and Removal Office in Alexandria, Louisiana, about 200 miles from New Orleans.
Removal order and next steps
CBS News said Yiannopoulos was in ICE custody facing a final order of removal, and quoted a DHS spokesperson saying, “Being in detention is a choice,” while encouraging people to use the CBP Home App.
“Being in detention is a choice”
CBS News also reported that the DHS spokesperson said Yiannopoulos came to the U.S. legally in 2019 but “chose to overstay his welcome in violation of our nation's laws.”
The Independent said the arrest came roughly a day before West, also known as Ye, was set to perform at Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans, and it said it was unclear if Yiannopoulos was expected to attend.
NBC News reported that Ye is scheduled to perform in Louisiana Friday night at the New Orleans Caesars Superdome and said it was unclear if Yiannopoulos was in the state to attend the concert.
WIRED reported that the DHS spokesperson said Yiannopoulos was detained on Thursday, August 27, and that “he will remain in ICE custody pending removal,” tying the detention to the removal process.