US: Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos arrested by ICE

Milo Yiannopoulos, a controversial figure known for his right-wing provocations, has been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). An immigration judge had issued a final deportation order against him on July 22, after he failed to attend a scheduled hearing. Yiannopoulos is being held in ICE custody pending his deportation.

Previously a prominent face of the American far-right, Yiannopoulos gained notoriety for his provocative, often racist, misogynistic, and anti-liberal statements. His standing within conservative circles significantly diminished in 2017 following the revelation of an interview where he appeared to downplay sexual relationships between adult men and boys. This led to the loss of a book deal, withdrawal from a major conservative conference, and his departure from the right-wing news outlet Breitbart.

In more recent years, Yiannopoulos has been linked to the rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. Reports indicate that Yiannopoulos worked for the musician for a period, though their collaboration reportedly ended in 2024.

The arrest comes after Yiannopoulos publicly advocated for stricter immigration enforcement, including ICE checks at supermarkets and swift deportations for undocumented individuals. His own detention by immigration authorities marks a significant turn for the provocateur.