In a July 6 video on YouTube, Adam McIntyre explains how Reddit users misinterpreted his visa and reported him to ICE.Adam McIntyre, YouTube

Adam McIntyre, a YouTuber from Co Derry who holds an Irish passport, is speaking out after Reddit users reported him to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the basis of false claims.

"Adam McIntyre has initiated a formal legal investigation in response to serious defamatory actions perpetrated by individuals associated with the subreddit known as r/AdamMcIntyreSnark," a July 7 post on McIntyre's Instagram page reads.

"It has come to our attention that members of this subreddit have knowingly submitted false and malicious reports to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging fraudulent activity concerning Mr. McIntyre's
immigration status.

"These claims are entirely baseless and constitute both defamation and false reporting to federal authorities, which are offenses under U.S. law."

In a video shared on his YouTube channel on July 6, McIntyre explained the situation.

He said that since February, he's been in the US on and off for his 'Chronically Online' tour. He came to the US after applying for and receiving a temporary O-1 visa, which permits him to work in the country.

McIntyre said he applied for the work visa because he "didn't want to do anything wrong." 

The visa, which he paid for, expires at the end of this month, and he said he will likely leave the US after his final show in New York City on July 11.

On January 30, he excitedly shared a picture of the O-1 visa on his X account:

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However, a Reddit user misinterpreted the picture of McIntyre's visa and claimed that he had traveled to the US on an R1 visa, which permits visitors to work as a minister or in a religious vocation or occupation in the US.

Indeed, McIntyre's visa has an "R" on it - but that just means he's carrying a "regular" passport.

The Reddit user posted his claim to the now-banned Adam McIntyre 'Snark' subreddit. On Reddit, a 'snark' subreddit is generally used for users to discuss what they don't like about creators.

McIntyre said in his YouTube video that throughout his career, he has supported 'snark' pages and felt people should be able to say what they want.

However, this incident, he said, has crossed a line.

"There is an entire [Reddit] thread where people have spent 11 days dissecting my visa - incorrectly, by the way - implying that I am here on religious activities.

"Which, number one, isn't true, but number two, has now started this movement where they are all reporting me to ICE."

McIntyre was not shy in his criticism of ICE and reiterated that he does not want the incident to be viewed as him endorsing ICE.

"I cannot stress enough: if you support ICE, f--k you," he said, after saying: "I think there is something truly, truly, truly disgusting about weaponizing ICE against people."

McIntrye said it is a "risk" for him to be talking about ICE, as well as Palestine, while he's been on a work visa in the US, "because, yes, I could have immediately had my visa taken off of me."

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In a separate post on Instagram, McIntyre wrote that his legal investigation "includes cooperation from Reddit Inc. to identify and hold accountable the individuals involved in this defamatory and unlawful conduct."

"All legal avenues are being pursued," he added.

He subsequently posted a screenshot that says his 'snark' subreddit has been banned from Reddit.