Patricia Krentcil, known as “Tan Mom,” claims she was questioned by federal immigration agents because of her deep tan. During an appearance on the “Light. Tan. Up.” podcast with actor Tom Arnold, she recounted the incident where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stopped her outside a restaurant.
“As we were leaving, ICE agents questioned my American citizenship,” Krentcil said. “It shocked me.” She alleged that her tan almost led to her arrest. “They were about to handcuff me because I was so tan,” she stated.
Krentcil, whose tan has attracted media attention for over a decade, expressed fear of being detained and taken to an unknown location. “Once you get in those trucks, you don’t know where you’re going anymore,” she remarked.
She accused immigration authorities of discriminatory behavior, describing the situation as “terrifying.” Krentcil gained national notoriety in 2012 when accused of taking her young daughter into a tanning bed, which led to child endangerment charges. However, she was not indicted after a grand jury decision in 2013 and has since moved to Florida.
ICE has not responded to requests for comment on the incident. Krentcil did not provide specific details about when or where the encounter occurred.