‘Illegal alien’: ICE detains controversial far-right agitator at US Airport
British far-right figure Milo Yiannopoulos has been arrested by ICE officials at a Louisiana airport after claims he “chose to overstay his welcome” in the US.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the 41-year-old arrived legally in May 2019 before being “issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on July 22, after failing to show up for his immigration hearing”.
Milo Yiannopoulos was arrested at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in Kenner, Louisiana. @DHSgov
The DHS said he will remain in custody while he awaits potential deportation.
Yiannopoulos, who worked as an editor for Breitbart from 2014 to 2017, had his mugshot posted X by the DHS following his arrest at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
“The United States is offering illegal aliens $3000 and a free flight to self-deport now,” the post said.
The far-right commentator, who served as an intern for US Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, was banned from entering Australia in 2019 following remarks he made following the Christchurch terror attack.
Right-wing commentator Milo Yiannopoulos was barred from entering Australia in 2019. AP
Former Immigration Minister David Coleman said he would not be able to enter the country in the leadup to his proposed tour.
“Yiannopoulos’ comments on social media regarding the Christchurch terror attack are appalling and foment hatred and division,” Coleman said.
“The terrorist attack in Christchurch was carried out on Muslims peacefully practising their religion. It was an act of pure evil.”
The government had agreed to the visa after conservative MPs had put pressure on Coleman to override the Department of Home Affairs’ advice to ban Yiannopoulos.
“I’m banned from Australia, again, after a statement in which I said I abhor political violence,” Yiannopoulos said on social media after the announcement seven years ago.
The far-right commentator had described Islam as a “barbaric, alien” religious culture on social media overnight after the terrorist attack that left 51 worshippers dead, prompting the government’s change of heart.
The speaking tour had previously been given the green light despite Yiannopoulos owing Victoria Police $50,000 to cover policing at a Melbourne event in December, 2017.
The event saw up to 500 left-wing protesters clash with about 50 right-wing activists.
In 2025, the 41-year-old took to social media to express support for ICE and the deportations it was carrying out across the US.
“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,” he said on X.
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