The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on August 29 that it had deported Milo Yiannopoulos, a controversial far-right figure, to the United Kingdom. Yiannopoulos was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Louisiana on August 28, while in transit.
According to a DHS statement, Yiannopoulos entered the US through New York City in May 2019. After he missed an immigration hearing earlier this year, a judge issued a final deportation order on July 22.
“He chose to overstay his welcome and break the laws of our country,” DHS wrote on social media when announcing the arrest. The agency also urged illegal immigrants to leave voluntarily for a chance to return legally, or they would be apprehended and deported without such an opportunity.
Yiannopoulos, who had publicly supported President Donald Trump and the mass deportation campaign Trump promised in his second term, has not commented on his deportation. His X social media account has remained silent since his arrest. Previously, he had written: “No immigration for 20 years. No ifs, no buts.”
Yiannopoulos is known for his attacks on feminism, immigrants, and Muslims. He was reportedly in New Orleans this week to work with musician Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.
Far-right activist Laura Loomer, an ally of Trump, celebrated Yiannopoulos's deportation. On social media, she wrote: “Milo will be deported back to the UK, where he can live among the Muslims he recently chose to defend. Today is a great day for America.” Loomer and Yiannopoulos have had a long-standing feud.
In the same post, Loomer also called for the deportation of Hasan Piker, a left-wing streamer who has criticized Israel, along with his Turkish-born mother. However, Piker is a US citizen.
