Notorious 'Tan Mom' claims ICE agents mistook her for illegal immigrant because of extreme tan

Patricia Krentcil, a former New Jersey resident who once drew national headlines for her extreme tanning habits, says that federal immigration officials nearly handcuffed her after questioning her citizenship status while she was leaving a restaurant with friends. According to Krentcil, the encounter took place sometime in the past year, although she did not give a specific date or location.

On a recent episode of the “Light. Tan. Up.” podcast—hosted by actor Tom Arnold—Krentcil recounted the incident in a candid interview. She described how, as she and her girlfriends walked out of the establishment, a group of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers stopped them. “They asked me if I’m an American citizen,” she told the podcast. “I said yes. It blew my mind.” Krentcil added that the officers seemed to be looking at her deeply bronzed skin before deciding to handcuff her. “Because I was so tan, they were about to handcuff me and take me away,” she said.

The former “Tan Mom” went on to explain her fear of being detained and transported to an unknown location, a concern she said was common among those apprehended by ICE. “Once you get in those trucks, you don't know where you're going anymore,” she said. “I was scared, but I held my own and I got out of the situation.” She also accused immigration authorities of discriminatory conduct, stating that “they’re very racist about color and nationalities and stuff like that.”

Krentcil’s comments came amid a broader debate over ICE’s tactics and treatment of detainees. However, the New Jersey-based news outlet that ran the story has not received a comment from ICE in response to a request for clarification. The agency has likewise not independently verified Krentcil’s account.

The woman’s past is marked by a 2012 incident that propelled her into the tabloids. That year, New Jersey police arrested Krentcil after she allegedly brought her then‑5‑year‑old daughter into a tanning salon. She was charged with second‑degree child endangerment when the child reportedly arrived at school with sunburns. The case was later dropped: a grand jury in Essex County declined to indict her in February 2013.

Krentcil has since moved to Florida, where she continues to embrace a life in the Sunshine State. Her notoriety as “the Tan Mom” has not faded, though her recent claims have sparked new controversy.

With no official response from ICE and no corroborating evidence to date, the incident remains unverified. Whether Krentcil’s experience reflects broader issues of racial profiling or is an isolated misunderstanding will depend on further investigation. For now, her story serves as a reminder of the contentious nature of federal immigration enforcement and the personal stories that often get lost in the headlines.