Tom Homan, the White House “border czar,” denied on Sunday that British far-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos was deported for political reasons, following his arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Homan stated that Yiannopoulos, 41, had overstayed what he believed to be a visitor visa, had not appeared at an immigration hearing, and was issued a final order of removal on 22 July. He told CNN’s State of the Union that a judge ordered Yiannopoulos deported, and ICE’s job was to execute that order.
Yiannopoulos was arrested on Thursday at an airport in New Orleans and was deported to the UK on Friday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, had publicised his arrest and confirmed his removal.
Homan denied claims that the Trump administration made an example of Yiannopoulos, stating, “We don’t deport people based on political affiliation.” He also addressed questions about the speed of Yiannopoulos's removal, explaining that DHS is working to expedite the deportation process once a judge issues an order.