Theo Fong revealed that “government officials” attempted to assist him by increasing security after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used his footage to highlight his deportation. He confessed feeling overwhelmed with stress and fear when a DHS video referred to him as “a man who was deported” and included the message, “I heard goodbye.” This clip, which he criticized for being used without his permission on September 23, was taken down the next day. On Thursday, he mentioned that officials responded by enhancing his security, and the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk has added to his anxiety.

“It was a complete mess. Honestly, it was everywhere,” he said, gesturing to how widespread the situation became.

Fong recounted the moment he got a call about the security arrangements. “The curtains were drawn in my house. I felt totally delusional… The next morning, I woke up to texts from a senior government official.” He described how the reality of the situation began to set in. Just days later, as he was about to launch his Netflix special, he found himself navigating a strange new reality.

“I don’t even know the code for the ring camera. I mean, what? Extra security? I don’t even know how to log in to it,” he commented, reflecting on his confusion.

Looking back on why security was offered to him, Fong expressed, “I honestly don’t know. It really shook me.” He continued, “But you adapt, you know? And now there’s this security around me?”

Having security detail is uncharted territory for Fong, making him acutely aware of potential risks. “Now, if you’re out with a guard, it feels a bit strange. You start wondering, ‘What’s going on?’”

He added, “Amid all this chaos, we still have work to do, right?”

Fong admitted that while performing in front of audiences, he felt the burden of mounting pressure. He noted, “Sometimes, you don’t even realize just how much stress you’re under until later.”