Amos Yee, Singaporean Asylum Seeker & Convicted Offender, Held by US ICE After Parole Release from Prison

Amos Yee Detained by US Immigration After Parole Release

Singaporean internet personality Amos Yee, 27, has once again made headlines, this time finding himself in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This development follows his recent parole release from an Illinois correctional facility, where he had been serving time for serious offenses related to child pornography and grooming.

Current Custody in Wisconsin

Yee is currently being held at the Dodge Detention Facility located in Juneau, Wisconsin. His detention by ICE indicates a focus on securing his presence for potential immigration proceedings or removal from the United States, especially if authorities deem him a public safety or flight risk.

Background of Conviction and Asylum

His journey through the U.S. legal system began with an arrest in October 2020 by U.S. marshals in Chicago. He faced charges of possessing child pornography and grooming a 14-year-old girl. Court proceedings revealed a disturbing pattern: Yee had initiated an online relationship with the victim in February 2019, repeatedly soliciting naked photographs and engaging her in "role play" and "sexual fantasies" via WhatsApp, despite knowing her age. He also distributed her photographs online, with these predatory activities continuing until July 2019.

In December 2021, Yee pleaded guilty to these charges and was subsequently sentenced to a six-year jail term, backdated to his arrest. Although he was granted asylum by the U.S. in 2017—a decision that faced opposition from the Department of Homeland Security—his legal troubles continued. Prior to his U.S. convictions, Yee had already served two jail terms in Singapore for offenses related to wounding religious feelings.

Parole Violation Leads to Re-detention

He was initially granted parole in October 2023 but was taken back into custody approximately a month later due to a violation of his parole conditions. The current detention by ICE marks the latest chapter in Amos Yee's controversial and troubled history. U.S. ICE has been contacted for further details regarding his immigration status and potential deportation.