Tan Mom Claims ICE Nearly Detained Her Over Extreme Complexion

Liberty Check

• ICE performs vital law enforcement duties that protect American citizens and enforce immigration law.
• Allegations of racial profiling against federal agents undermine legitimate enforcement efforts at the border and interior.
• Constitutional due process requires verified claims rather than sensational anecdotes from tabloid figures.

Patricia Krentcil, once known nationwide for her extreme tanning habits, is now claiming immigration officers nearly detained her because of her deep bronze complexion.

The self-styled “Tan Mom” told the “Light. Tan. Up.” podcast that agents questioned her citizenship outside a restaurant, briefly considering handcuffs before releasing her.

“As we’re walking out, the ICE people stopped me and they asked me, ‘Am I an American citizen?'” Krentcil recalled. “And I’m like, ‘Yes.’ You know, like it blew my mind.”

She further claimed the encounter nearly escalated, alleging agents were ready to detain her solely based on skin tone.

“Because I was so tan, they were about to handcuff me … and take me away. God knows where,” she alleged.

Krentcil described the alleged incident as terrifying and accused immigration authorities of discriminatory behavior.

“But they’re very racist about color and nationalities and stuff like that,” she said.

“Once you get in those trucks, you don’t know where you’re going anymore,” she added. “I was scared, but I held my own and I got out of the situation.”

Krentcil rose to national attention in 2012 when New Jersey authorities accused her of allowing her young daughter into a tanning bed, leading to child endangerment charges that were later dropped by a grand jury.

The former New Jersey resident now lives in Florida, where she continues to embrace her signature bronzed appearance.

Federal immigration officials have not commented on the unverified claims, which lack specific dates or locations.

Our freedoms depend on staying vigilant.