British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, according to agency records released Friday. Yiannopoulos, 41, is subject to a final order of removal from the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement describing him as an “illegal alien from the United Kingdom.”

DHS officials said Yiannopoulos entered the United States legally in May 2019 through New York City but subsequently overstayed his visa, violating immigration laws. He was issued a final removal order by an immigration judge on July 22 after failing to appear for his scheduled hearing. The statement added that Yiannopoulos will remain in ICE custody pending deportation.

At the time of his detention, Yiannopoulos was reportedly in New Orleans ahead of a performance by the musician formerly known as Kanye West, with whom he has close ties, TMZ.com reported. It was unclear whether Yiannopoulos had secured legal representation or what his next steps would be.

Yiannopoulos is known for his far-right commentary and has openly supported aggressive immigration enforcement measures. In June 2025, he called for the establishment of ICE checkpoints at locations such as supermarkets and gas stations in California, advocating for immediate deportation of individuals unable to prove legal status. His rhetoric has included anti-Islamic statements and has aligned with more stringent immigration crackdowns than those implemented under former President Donald Trump.

In addition to his association with West, Yiannopoulos has worked with white nationalist figure Nick Fuentes. He initially gained public attention in 2014 while working for Breitbart News and playing a prominent role in the "Gamergate" controversy, which involved organized online harassment targeting women in the video game industry.

Yiannopoulos’s detention highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. immigration authorities to enforce removal orders against individuals who enter legally but overstay their visas, reflecting heightened scrutiny amid broader national debates over immigration policy.