British political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos is in ICE custody in Louisiana after missing an immigration hearing, according to US officials and the Department of Homeland Security.
Yiannopoulos, a former Breitbart editor and controversial right wing commentator, was taken into Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in the New Orleans area. DHS said he will remain detained pending removal from the United States.
According to the department, Yiannopoulos entered the country through New York City on May 14, 2019. Officials said he subsequently violated immigration rules by remaining after his authorized stay.
His detention follows an immigration hearing he did not attend on July 22. The missed hearing resulted in an immigration judge issuing a final order of removal, according to DHS.
Yiannopoulos has previously supported aggressive immigration enforcement, including ICE operations and deportation policies.
In social media posts cited by officials, he called for expanded immigration enforcement and the deportation of millions of people.
Yiannopoulos has worked with Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, including serving as chief of staff during Ye’s presidential political efforts.
Reports said Yiannopoulos was in New Orleans before Ye’s scheduled Friday performance, although it remains unclear whether the concert was the reason for his presence in Louisiana.
DHS said Yiannopoulos will remain in ICE custody pending his removal from the United States.
