Kathmandu— Milo Yiannopoulos, a far-right figure known for his controversial views, has been deported to the United Kingdom by U.S. authorities. He was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Louis Armstrong New Orleans international airport in Louisiana on Thursday after overstaying his visa, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Yiannopoulos initially entered the country in May 2019 but failed to appear at an immigration hearing earlier this year, leading a judge to issue a final removal order on July 22.

Detention and Deportation

The Department of Homeland Security confirmed Yiannopoulos’s removal on Saturday. In a social media post announcing his arrest, DHS stated that he “chose to overstay his welcome in violation of our nation’s laws.” The department also used the occasion to encourage others who have overstayed their visas to voluntarily leave the country, stating they could return legally in the future.

Past Support for Strict Immigration Policies

Yiannopoulos was previously a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and his pledges to implement stricter immigration policies. Last year, he posted on social media advocating for “zero immigration for the next 20 years,” adding, “No ifs, no buts.” He had been in New Orleans this week reportedly working with musician Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

Feuds and Reactions

Far-right activist Laura Loomer, an ally of Trump, celebrated Yiannopoulos’s deportation after years of publicly feuding with him. She posted on social media that he was being sent “back to the UK where he can live among the Muslims he has recently chosen to embrace.” Loomer also called for the deportation of Hasan Piker, a leftist streamer and U.S. citizen.

Silence from Yiannopoulos

As of Saturday, Yiannopoulos had not publicly commented on his deportation. His usually active social media account on X remained silent since his detention.

Yiannopoulos’s removal follows a judge's order issued in July after he missed an immigration hearing and represents the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.