Alan Cumming Faces Deportation Fears Before BAFTAs

Alan Cumming, the celebrated Scottish actor and presenter, is no stranger to the spotlight, but in the days leading up to his high-profile role as host of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, he’s found himself at the center of a very different kind of attention—one that’s far more personal, and, in his words, "terrifying." With the BAFTA ceremony set to air on BBC One and iPlayer from 7pm on February 22, Cumming’s candid reflections on his life in the United States and his growing unease with the nation’s immigration climate have resonated across both sides of the Atlantic. Born in Aberfeldy, Scotland, Alan Cumming, now 61, has long divided his time between the rolling hills of his homeland and the bustling streets of New York City. But recent months have brought a wave of anxiety for the actor, as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has ramped up its operations—sometimes alarmingly close to his own doorstep. According to reports from The Independent and The Metro, Cumming has become increasingly vocal about his fears of deportation, despite having obtained U.S. citizenship back in 2008. The spark that ignited these fears came after a particularly impassioned appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, where Cumming spoke out in support of transgender rights. The topic, already a flashpoint in American politics, drew additional scrutiny because of former President Donald Trump’s controversial ban on transgender individuals serving in the military—a policy that underscored the deep divisions in the country. Cumming recalled, "[I] did a big rant about trans rights... People around me were like, 'You're going to be deported.'" The warning, while perhaps said in jest, struck a nerve as the political climate grew ever more charged. For Cumming, the threat felt all too real. He recounted the chilling experience of learning about ICE raids taking place just blocks from his New York home, particularly in Chinatown, less than a mile away. "But this is New York, and yet ICE have been less than a mile away from me right now in Chinatown, taking people off the streets. It's terrifying," he told The Metro in November 2025. The actor’s words paint a vivid picture of a city where, on the surface, life seems unchanged, but beneath it, anxiety simmers. Deportations have become a central issue in the United States, with ICE expanding its reach and stories surfacing about the treatment of detainees. For immigrants—even those who, like Cumming, have acquired citizenship—the sense of security is not absolute. As he put it, "I am very lucky that I have another life and another existence in Scotland, and it's just sort of funny. I'm walking along the street right now in New York, and you wouldn't know anything was different." Yet the reality, he admits, is anything but ordinary. According to The Herald, Cumming’s concerns are not just about politics or policy—they’re deeply personal. The actor, who also hosts the U.S. version of The Traitors, has been reflecting on his own well-being and the toll that constant vigilance can take. During a Q&A session in Scotland, he responded to an audience member’s question with characteristic candor: "It's about constantly having to look after yourself. But I am also realising when things are too much... It is in my plan to do less." Cumming’s vision for the future is strikingly domestic, almost idyllic. He spoke of a house near Inverness currently being renovated—a sanctuary far from the noise and uncertainty of city life. "I have this vision of me baking gluten free scones and warming my bum on my Aga. I want to manifest the chance to do that. It is so exciting to do lots of things, but it is about balance as well." The statement, both earnest and humorous, suggests a longing for stability and comfort, a counterpoint to the unpredictability he faces elsewhere. The actor’s journey is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by immigrants in the U.S., particularly those who speak out on contentious issues. The intersection of celebrity, activism, and immigration status is a fraught one, and Cumming’s experience highlights the precariousness that can come with public advocacy. His willingness to address transgender rights on national television—a topic that remains divisive in American discourse—has brought both admiration and risk. Former President Trump’s policies on transgender individuals in the military were met with fierce debate, and Cumming’s outspoken support for the trans community drew criticism from some quarters. Yet, as he has made clear, his commitment to these causes is unwavering, even as it exposes him to personal vulnerability. The warning from friends and colleagues that he might be "deported" for his activism may have been hyperbolic, but it underscores the climate of fear and uncertainty that has become all too familiar for many immigrants in the U.S. Despite these challenges, Cumming remains grateful for the duality of his life. The ability to retreat to Scotland—where he is renovating a home and dreaming of simpler pleasures—offers solace. "I am very lucky that I have another life and another existence in Scotland," he emphasized. This sense of belonging in two places, while comforting, is also a reminder of the complexities that come with straddling different worlds. As the BAFTA Film Awards take center stage, Cumming’s personal story adds a layer of poignancy to the glitz and glamour. The ceremony, a celebration of cinematic achievement, is also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its host. For viewers tuning in on BBC One and iPlayer, the event promises not just entertainment but a subtle reminder of the real-world issues that persist beyond the red carpet. Cumming’s reflections on work-life balance, immigration, and activism offer a window into the pressures faced by those in the public eye, especially when their convictions put them at odds with prevailing political trends. His story is a powerful illustration of how personal and political realities can collide, sometimes in unexpected ways. As the curtain rises on the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, Alan Cumming stands not just as a host, but as a figure who embodies both the joys and anxieties of a life lived across borders. His journey, marked by courage and candor, is a reminder that even in the world of show business, the stakes can be deeply human—and sometimes, downright terrifying.