“He was forcibly removed from the plane,” the band denounced. Mexican drummer Yamal Said, a legal U.S. resident, is still under immigration review. The U.S. alternative rock band Lord Buffalo canceled its European tour after its drummer, Yamal Said, was detained by immigration agents at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, when the group was about to board a flight to the Netherlands.
Said, who is a Mexican citizen and legal permanent resident of the United States, was removed from the plane on Monday, May 12, in an incident that caused outrage and bewilderment in the music community and among Latino fans.
Unexplained detention
Through a statement on social media, the members of Lord Buffalo – Daniel Jesse Pruitt, Garrett Jeffrey Hellman and Patrick John Pattersloh – expressed their frustration:
Our drummer was forcibly removed by Customs and Border Patrol. We are devastated
Lord Buffalo
The group clarified that Yamal Said has a valid green card, which allows him to reside and work legally in the country.
So far, the precise reasons for his detention have not been explained, and the immigration authorities have not issued public statements on the case.
Emotional and legal impact
Buzzy
Lord Buffalo’s European tour, which was to begin in the Netherlands this week, has been suspended indefinitely pending resolution of the drummer’s immigration status.
The gang confirmed that Said already has legal representation and that the family is aware of what happened.
“We have more questions than answers. We ask for privacy and appreciate all the support we have received,” they wrote.
This case has generated concern among the Hispanic community in the United States.
Especially among legal residents who fear being affected by arbitrary actions.
Immigration lawyers consulted by local media point out that, although unusual, a permanent resident can be detained if there are prior legal suspicions or administrative problems with his or her status.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
