Green-Card Holder 'Forcibly' Removed From Flight by Border Agents
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A drummer for a Texas band and a lawful permanent resident was "forcibly removed" from a flight by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
The incident occurred on Monday when Yamal Said, a Mexican citizen, was taken off a plane and detained by federal authorities, according to the band Lord Buffalo.
"We are heartbroken to announce we have to cancel our upcoming European tour," the band said in a Facebook post.
Online records show that Said is being held in a Tarrant County facility on allegations of violating a protective order, commonly referred to as a restraining order, on at least two occasions over the past year. In Texas, such violations are classified as felonies. If convicted, the charge carries a minimum prison sentence of two years.
Newsweek has contacted CBP and the band for comment.
Yamal Said, a drummer for a Texas band and a lawful permanent resident, was "forcibly removed" from a flight by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Yamal Said, a drummer for a Texas band and a lawful permanent resident, was "forcibly removed" from a flight by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Tarrant County Corrections Center
Why It Matters
It comes amid a surge in reports of people with valid documentation—including green cards or visas—being detained by federal immigration authorities. President Donald Trump has pledged to remove millions of migrants without legal status as part of his flagship immigration policy.
Green-card holders are granted the right to reside in the United States on a permanent basis, though that status can be lost under certain conditions.
According to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a green-card holder has the right to live permanently in the U.S., provided they do not commit any actions that "would make you removable under immigration law." A green card may be revoked if the person violates U.S. laws or fails to meet obligations such as paying taxes.
What To Know
The musician, who holds a green card, was traveling with the band to Amsterdam when he was taken off the flight and detained by federal authorities.
In response to the incident, the band announced the cancellation of its European tour, expressing concern for Said's safety and legal situation. They are working with an immigration attorney to secure his release.
"We are devastated to cancel this tour, but we are focusing all of our energy and resources on Yamal's safety and freedom," the post read. "We are hopeful that this is a temporary setback and that it could be safe for us to reschedule this tour in the future."
The band said in a follow-up post on Wednesday that Said had secured an attorney and "we are waiting to hear what comes next."
CBP told NBC News that Said "was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Monday while attempting to depart the United States due to having an active arrest warrant."
The Llano County Sheriff's Office issued the arrest warrant for Said.
The four-piece band was set to embark on an eight-show European tour with post-Krautrock noise group Orsak:Oslo in support of Lord Buffalo's latest record, Holus Bolus. The tour was set to begin on May 15.
What People Are Saying
The band Lord Buffalo, in a statement on Facebook: "We are devastated to cancel this tour, but we are focusing all of our energy and resources on Yamal's safety and freedom. We are hopeful that this is a temporary setback and that it could be safe for us to reschedule this tour in the future. In our absence, our touring partners Orsak:Oslo will continue to perform the tour. We urge everyone to go see this amazing band and support them over the next couple weeks."
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