Patricia Krentcil, the American internet personality known as 'Tan Mom', has accused US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of racism. She claimed agents nearly handcuffed her because of her deeply tanned complexion.
Krentcil, who is a Republican, described the encounter as terrifying and said she was questioned about her citizenship. She also criticised President Donald Trump for supporting the agency's immigration enforcement operations.
Krentcil Accuses ICE of Racism
On her podcast, Light. Tan. Up. with Tan Mom & Adam Barta, Krentcil recalled leaving a restaurant with friends when ICE agents allegedly stopped her. 'They asked me am I an American citizen? And I'm like, yes. You know, like it blew my mind,' she said.
Krentcil claimed the agents were about to handcuff her because of her deep tan. 'And because I was so tan, they were about to handcuff me and take me away. God knows where, cuz once you get in those trucks, you don't know where you're going anymore,' she said.
She stated that she was frightened but stood her ground and was able to leave, claiming the agents had nearly handcuffed her. Krentcil subsequently accused ICE of discriminating against people based on their complexion and nationality.
She added during the podcast, 'But they're very racist about colour and nationalities and stuff like that. I was in almost a pickle myself. And it was terrifying.' Krentcil also criticised Trump for supporting the agency's actions, declaring that 'Trump supports all this nonsense'. Her co-host agreed with the remark and responded, 'Yeah, he does. He likes the cruelty. He says it gets out the worst of the worst'.
Despite her statements, several X users expressed scepticism regarding the claims. One user dismissed her remarks and wrote, 'I'll take THINGS THAT NEVER HAPPENED for 1,000 bucks, Alex'. Another user argued that ICE would not question someone's citizenship simply because of a deep tan, adding,'That story doesn't hold up. It's just more lies to get attention and try to make ICE out as being racist.'
ICE doesn’t stop people and ask if they’re citizens just because they have a dark tan. That story doesn’t hold up. It’s just more lies to get attention and try to make ICE out as being racists.
— Geo (@grs1925) October 22, 2026
How She Became 'Tan Mom'
Krentcil gained national attention in 2012 after her arrest in New Jersey for allegedly taking her five-year-old daughter into a tanning booth. The case received significant coverage due to concerns about the child's exposure to ultraviolet radiation. However, she denied this allegation and claimed that her daughter's sunburn resulted from playing outdoors.
In February 2013, an Essex County grand jury declined to indict Krentcil on a child endangerment charge, meaning the case did not proceed to trial. This publicity made her widely recognisable.
She subsequently adopted the 'Tan Mom' nickname through media appearances and commercial ventures. Krentcil has also pursued projects such as a self-tanning product line, an autobiography, comedy, music recordings, and reality television appearances.
Republican Senate Campaign
Krentcil entered politics by filing to run as a Republican for Florida's US Senate seat in the 2024 election, challenging incumbent Senator Rick Scott. Her campaign focused on affordable healthcare and housing, support for LGBTQ+ rights, and opposition to book bans.
According to an August 2023 Miami Herald report, she also advocated fair treatment for drag performers and described them as potential positive role models for children in her campaign materials. The publication also quoted her campaign website, writing, 'Families come in ALL shapes and sizes. We need to make sure all voices are heard'.
