Former owner of Peanut the squirrel has been detained by ICE

Mark Longo, the former owner of Peanut the squirrel, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and could face deportation, according to the Associated Press. The case has drawn political attention since New York wildlife officers euthanized Peanut in 2024. Republicans, including JD Vance, criticized that decision at the time as government overreach. Longo’s detention has renewed attention to the dispute.