Kanye West’s former chief of staff Milo Yiannopoulos is back in the headlines after being taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Louisiana. The political commentator is being held at an ICE detention center, according to inmate records cited by TMZ, though the reason for his detention remains unclear. Sources told the outlet that Yiannopoulos was detained at an airport as West prepares to perform Friday at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome, raising questions about why he was in the state.
Milo Yiannopoulos’ ICE Detention Comes Ahead of Kanye West’s Show
TMZ reported Friday, Aug. 28, that Yiannopoulos had been apprehended by ICE in Louisiana. Inmate records reviewed by the outlet showed that he was being held at an ICE detention facility. Details about why Yiannopoulos was taken into custody were not immediately available. Sources told TMZ only that he was detained at an airport.
His detention comes as West, who legally changed his name to Ye, prepares to take the stage Friday night at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. TMZ suggested that the concert could explain why Yiannopoulos was in Louisiana, although the reason for his visit wasn’t confirmed.
Yiannopoulos has been connected to West professionally for years. He served as the rapper’s chief of staff for nearly two years and was also director of political operations for West’s YE24 presidential campaign. The pair parted ways professionally in 2024. At the time, Yiannopoulos confirmed his departure to TMZ, saying, “I wish Ye every success in the future. I have some concerns about his new team, and hope he proceeds with caution.”
DHS Reveals Why Milo Yiannopoulos Was Detained
The Department of Homeland Security later provided an official explanation for Milo Yiannopoulos’ detention, saying immigration authorities arrested the British commentator over his immigration status. In an Aug. 28 statement, DHS said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Yiannopoulos at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport on Aug. 27. According to the agency, Yiannopoulos legally entered the United States through New York City on May 14, 2019, but remained in the country beyond his authorized stay.
DHS also said an immigration judge issued Yiannopoulos a final order of removal on July 22 after he failed to appear for an immigration hearing. The department said at the time that he would remain in ICE custody pending removal.
Laura Loomer Claims Credit for Yiannopoulos’ Detention
Following news of the detention, far-right commentator Laura Loomer claimed she played a role in Yiannopoulos being taken into ICE custody. In posts on X, Loomer said she had previously reported Yiannopoulos to federal authorities and claimed he was in the United States illegally.
“When Milo called for me to be assassinated, I reported him to ICE and the FBI,” Loomer wrote. “I told you all that Milo was an illeg*l alien. He was detained in Louisiana by ICE.” Loomer also said she expected Yiannopoulos to be deported to the United Kingdom and described his detention as “a great day for America.” However, Loomer’s claim that her report prompted ICE to detain Yiannopoulos has not been independently confirmed.
Loomer and Yiannopoulos have publicly feuded for months. Their dispute has intensified as Yiannopoulos has recently expressed support for Muslims on social media, marking a change from his history of anti-Islam rhetoric. Loomer, who has been outspoken about her own views on Islam, has criticized that shift during their ongoing conflict. Beyond his association with West, Yiannopoulos has remained a controversial public figure because of his far-right political commentary and public feuds.
Yiannopoulos Deported to the United Kingdom
Yiannopoulos’ detention ultimately proved brief. He was deported to the United Kingdom on Aug. 28, one day after his arrest, DHS later confirmed. Yiannopoulos subsequently disputed the government’s account of his immigration status. During a Sept. 1 appearance on “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” he denied overstaying a visa and claimed he was married to an American and had a green card that he was renewing every two years, according to The Guardian.
Yiannopoulos described his detention as “humiliating and disorientating” and said the experience left him “really, really terrified.” He also expressed regret over his previous support for President Donald Trump and his immigration policies. “If I had any clue that anything remotely like this was even possible, I would never have gotten involved in supporting Trump in the first place,” Yiannopoulos said, adding that he was “very ashamed” that he had done so.
