Newly uncovered documents and interviews reveal that a White House official intervened to pressure Department of Homeland Security officials to return electronic devices seized from controversial internet influencer Andrew Tate and his brother during their February visit to the United States.
Border Seizure Sparks White House Intervention
Andrew Tate, the self-described misogynist with millions of young male followers, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida by private plane in February while facing sex trafficking allegations in three countries. Customs and Border Protection officials immediately seized their electronic devices upon their arrival in the United States.
Behind the scenes, the Tate brothers had a powerful ally. Paul Ingrassia, a lawyer who had previously represented the Tates before joining the White House as its DHS liaison, contacted senior Department of Homeland Security officials demanding the return of the seized devices. In his written request, Ingrassia criticized the seizure as an inefficient use of resources and emphasized that the directive came from the White House.
Ethical Concerns and Internal Backlash
The intervention caused significant concern among DHS officials, who worried they might be interfering with an ongoing federal investigation. One official involved in the matter, speaking anonymously to avoid retaliation, described the request as offensive to their mission of upholding law and protecting American citizens.
Law enforcement experts expressed alarm at the unusual nature of the White House involvement. John F. Tobon, a retired assistant director for Homeland Security Investigations with 30 years of experience, stated he had never encountered similar political interference in border device seizures, calling the situation highly irregular.
Samuel Buell, a Duke University law professor and former federal prosecutor, characterized the pressure on behalf of the Tates as part of a pattern of politicizing law enforcement under the current administration.
Ongoing Legal Troubles and Political Connections
Andrew Tate faces serious legal challenges across multiple jurisdictions. Romanian prosecutors have accused the Tate brothers of operating a criminal organization that trafficked women, including allegations they forced victims into filming pornographic content. Andrew Tate also faces rape charges in Romania, though initial charges were returned to prosecutors due to procedural issues.
In Britain, authorities have authorized charges including rape and human trafficking based on allegations from three women. While arrest warrants were issued in 2024, extradition proceedings await resolution of the Romanian case.
The Tate brothers' connection to Trumpworld dates back years. Andrew Tate publicly endorsed Donald Trump after meeting with Donald Trump Jr. at Trump Tower in 2017, and he has repeatedly praised the president to his substantial online following.
Ingrassia's involvement raised particular ethical concerns given his previous representation of the Tate brothers. Ethics experts warned that such actions by government officials benefiting former clients undermine public trust in the rule of law.
The Tate brothers left the United States in late March, and their devices have not been returned. The status of any federal investigation into the contents of their electronics remains unclear, as both the White House and DHS declined to answer specific questions about the incident.
