Latest news with #LooseEnds
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Chart-topping Brit R&B singer's health is 'rapidly deteriorating' after months held in ICE custody, her loved ones reveal as she faces deportation for overstaying visa
The health of a British R&B singer who is being held in a US correctional facility after being arrested for overstaying her visa by 26 years is 'rapidly deteriorating', her loved ones say. Jane Eugene, lead singer from 80s R&B group Loose Ends, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at the Canadian border crossing at Niagara Falls two months ago and is currently being held at a correctional facility in Kentucky. Friends and family of the singer, who has been living in the US for several years, have revealed the effect her detention is having on her and have launched a fundraiser to help her navigate her ordeal. 'As you might imagine, the conditions are taking a huge toll. Jane's health is rapidly deteriorating', the GoFundMe page said. 'Unable to work or generate income for the past few months and foreseeable future, Jane needs our help.' The fundraiser aims to 'cover the initial cost of legal fees, protect her health while she's in ICE custody, pay for a possible bond bail, and close some of the gaps on paying for basic needs.' 'She loves America, has made her home here, and wants to fight using every legal remedy available'. 'Jane's music has been the soundtrack for many lives—now let's be her lifeline. Every contribution, big or small, helps protect her health and future. Every dollar will go directly to Jane. The courts are overwhelmed and no one can say how long she will be held under extremely challenging conditions. Your gift makes a huge difference', the fundraiser added. A statement was also released on behalf of Ms Eugene, in which the singer thanked her friends and fans for their 'love and prayers'. 'My friends have been doing an incredible job supporting me through this challenging time. They have been going above and beyond in these past months, but the costs are more than they can bear. 'My health has taken a real toll in detention, and every dollar makes a difference.' Ms Eugene has been leading a US-based version of Loose Ends, performing around the country from her home in Los Angeles. US government sources claimed that she applied for a US 'green card' back in 1999, when she had already overstayed her visa, but was refused. Now her lengthy alleged visa overstay could lead to serious legal consequences, including removal proceedings and a possible 10-year re-entry ban. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told MailOnline: 'The law applies equally, even to celebrities. 'Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application. 'On May 3, 2025, Peters was encountered in Niagara Falls, NY after being refused entry to Canada. [Customs and Border Protection] arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.' Ms Mclaughlin added that 'President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S.' 'The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.' Overstaying a U.S. visa by more than a year is classed as 'unlawful presence,' which can trigger a 10-year bar from re-entering the country if the person leaves.] But the singer's loved ones insist she meets the legal requirements to remain in the US. 'Under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there's a provision that allows people who entered the country and applied for a green card before 2001 to re-apply for legal status while still in the US, even if they overstayed their visa. Jane meets the requirements for 245(i) and is 'grandfathered' in.' Donald Trump's second term as US president has been largely characterised by his immigration and border control agenda. Ms Eugene's detention comes as thousands of immigrants to the US have been arrested, detained and deported. Loose Ends' biggest hit by far was in 1985 with Hangin' on a String (Contemplating), which topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, the first British band ever to do so. It also reached number 13 in the UK top twenty. The trio began in London in 1980 with vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, singer Ms Eugene, and keyboard player Steve Nichol. The group was originally titled Loose End, but changed its name to Loose Ends in 1983 and were signed to Virgin Records. The group split up and eventually reunited to appear on a single by hip-hop producer Pete Rock called 'Take Your Time' in 1998. Two years ago, promoting a forthcoming gig with the Average White Band (AWB), Jane told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that her main advice to young music hopefuls was to compose their own music. 'Really, it's a way to create your own pension fund,' she said, noting that publishing residuals can continue to be collected even when your career has ended. She told the newspaper she was influenced by many black artists from the United States. 'I was just a toddler when the Beatles were the thing, so that explains why I don't claim them as major influences,' she said. Eugene and her co-band members - Steve Nichol and Carl McIntosh - were heavily influenced by the American soul stars of the late '70s and early '80s, namely Luther Vandross, Angela Winbush, Phyllis Hyman and Aretha Franklin. She said: 'My favourite song from her is 'Ain't No Way,' she added. 'You talkin' about feelin' her soul!' A South African singer named Twyla was another major influence, she said. Discussing her current band, she said: 'When we play Pittsburgh, they'll immediately recognize the first four or five tunes from our setlist,' she said, citing 'Slow Down,' 'Stay While Child,' Hangin' on a String,' 'You Can't Stop the Rain' and 'Mr. Bachelor.' But in 2022, fellow former Loose Ends founder Carl McIntosh sued Jane Eugene in a New York court, accusing her of trademark infringement by using the name Loose Ends in her promotional material. Jane Eugene vigorously defended the lawsuit, claiming 'fair use' and the case continues. Her Facebook and Instagram accounts have not been updated since April, when she and the group played a gig in Atlanta. Ms McLaughlin hinted that Jane Eugene's high-profile case could be used as an example to publicise US President Donald Trump's new hardline approach to illegal aliens and overstayers, including a carrot-and-stick offer of a $1,000 sweetener and a free flight home to those who give themselves up. She added: 'President Trump and DHS Secretary [Kristi] Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S. 'Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. 'We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.' MailOnline contacted various legal and business contacts for Ms Eugene. The singer's ordeal also comes four months after a British backpacker's dream trip turned into a nightmare when she was detained by ICE agents at the Canadian border, after being classified as an 'illegal alien'. Becky Burke, 28, had attempted to cross the border into Canada with an 'incorrect visa' on February 26, with her parents telling the BBC that she had been getting free accommodation for helping families with chores. Her father believed that in doing so she had essentially broken the terms of her tourist visa waiver, which bans holidaymakers from doing work while in the US. It also comes as British tourists planning trips to the US were warned of increasingly tough questioning at border control that could see them barred from entry or even detained amid Trump's immigration crackdown. US border officials have been using more aggressive methods with holidaymakers and legal immigrants, with the Trump administration calling it 'enhanced vetting', according to the New York Times.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
ICE Detains Singer of No. 1 Hit Songs After Decades in the US
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Jane Eugene, vocalist of the chart-topping 1980s British R&B group Loose Ends, has been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for over two months after being detained near the Canadian border for overstaying her visa for over two decades, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek. In a Thursday email statement McLaughlin said, "Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application." Newsweek has contacted organizers on behalf of Eugene via GoFundMe on Thursday. Why It Matters Trump's second term, now at the half-year mark, has largely been characterized by his immigration and border security agenda—issues he emphasized heavily during his campaign last year. He has vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history. Eugene's detention comes as thousands of people having been arrested and detained, including immigrants residing in the country illegally and legally, with valid documentation such as green cards and visas. The administration has detained and deported thousands of people to their countries of origin, as well as a smaller percentage to third countries with U.S. agreements, including El Salvador, Uzbekistan, South Sudan and Eswatini. What to Know Eugene was a vocalist with the British band that had two hit records top the No.1 spot on the R&B hits on the Billboard charts. She has been living in the U.S. for decades. On May 3, she was "refused entry to Canada" at the Niagara Falls border crossing, McLaughlin told Newsweek. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review," McLaughlin noted. Newsweek has confirmed in the ICE detainee database that she is currently held in Kentucky's Campbell County Detention Center. Musician Steve Nichol, singers Jane Eugene and Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends poses for photos backstage at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana in November 1988. Musician Steve Nichol, singers Jane Eugene and Carl McIntosh of Loose Ends poses for photos backstage at the Holiday Star Theatre in Merrillville, Indiana in November 1988.A GoFundMe set up by one of Eugene's friends, Dena Crowder, stated that "the conditions are taking a huge toll. Jane's health is rapidly deteriorating." Several reports from human rights organizations and politicians have raised concerns about conditions in ICE detention centers. Crowder wrote in the GoFundMe, "Under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) there's a provision that allows people who entered the country and applied for a green card before 2001 to re-apply for legal status while still in the US, even if they overstayed their visa. Jane meets the requirements for 245(i) and is 'grandfathered' in." In order to qualify for the provision, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) notes that "you must be the beneficiary of a labor certification application (Form ETA 750) or immigrant visa petition (Forms I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, or I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) filed on or before April 30, 2001." In addition, "You must complete Supplement A to Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to apply under Section 245(i) provisions and submit it with your Form I-485." It is not clear if Eugene meets those requirements. The GoFundMe has raised over $16,000. What People Are Saying Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek in an email Thursday: "The law applies equally, even to Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S. "Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return." Dena Crowder said in the GoFundMe: "She loves America, has made her home here, and wants to fight using every legal remedy available. To those of us who know her personally, she's not just an R&B legend, she's one of the most caring and compassionate human beings you will ever meet. Aside from enriching the lives of millions through her performances through the years, and influencing numerous musical genres, including neo-soul, house, and hip-hop, she mentors aspiring artists and actively supports members of any community in need." What Happens Next Eugene is scheduled to have an immigration hearing this week. The Trump administration has pledged to continue its immigration policies and plans to expand capacity at detention centers.
Black America Web
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Jane Eugene of 80s R&B Group Loose Ends Detained by ICE for Overstaying U.S. Visa
Source: Raymond Boyd / Getty British R&B singer Jane Eugene, best known as the powerful voice behind Loose Ends' 1985 chart-topping hit Hangin' on a String (Contemplating) , is now facing deportation from the United States. According to officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the 62-year-old artist, also known by her legal name Jane Peters, overstayed her visa by 26 years. Text 'RICKEY' to 71007 to join the Rickey Smiley Morning Show mobile club for exclusive news. ( Terms and conditions ). LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE. The arrest took place on May 3, 2025, at the U.S.-Canada border crossing in Niagara Falls, New York. Eugene was attempting to enter Canada when she was denied entry and subsequently detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. Since then, she has been held while awaiting a formal hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, confirmed that Eugene's prior attempts to obtain a U.S. green card were unsuccessful. 'Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application,' McLaughlin said. 'The law applies equally, even to celebrities.' Under current immigration law, overstaying a visa by more than a year is considered 'unlawful presence' and can result in a 10-year bar from reentering the United States once the individual departs. That's the potential situation Eugene faces now—removal from the U.S. and being barred from returning for a decade. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR APP AND TAKE US WITH YOU ANYWHERE! Though she originally rose to fame in the UK, Eugene has been based in Los Angeles for years, where she has led a U.S. version of Loose Ends and continued to perform across the country. Her contributions to the music industry remain significant; Hangin' on a String (Contemplating) made history in 1985 when it topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, making Loose Ends the first British band to achieve that feat. Loose Ends was originally formed in London in 1980 with Eugene, guitarist Carl McIntosh, and keyboardist Steve Nichol. Their sleek, soulful blend of funk and R&B earned them a strong following in both the UK and the United States throughout the 1980s. Related Article: ICE Agents Claim Assaults Are Reasons For Masks, But That's A Lie Related Article: What About White Undocumented Immigrants? Critics Claim ICE Raids Are Racist Now, decades after breaking boundaries on the music charts, Jane Eugene is at the center of a very different kind of story—one that underscores the far-reaching implications of immigration law in the U.S., even for those with fame and influence. As her legal case moves forward, Eugene's supporters are watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. Whether she'll be allowed to remain in the U.S., where she has lived and worked for so long, is still uncertain. HEAD BACK TO THE HOMEPAGE SEE ALSO Jane Eugene of 80s R&B Group Loose Ends Detained by ICE for Overstaying U.S. Visa was originally published on
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Nottingham car park alarm annoys bar customers and residents
"Every hour we hear this persistent, high-pitched beeping noise that is driving customers and staff insane."Thomas Levitt is the manager of Loose Ends, a new cocktail bar that opened two months ago on Friar Lane in Nottingham city business has proved popular - but there's a Levitt says customers are being "driven out" of the bar by the sound of an alarm, programmed to sound at regular intervals to tackle antisocial behaviour and rough sleeping in a nearby car which owns the car park in St James's Street, said the alarm had been "great" in reducing nuisance behaviour but it was working to make it "less disruptive." Mr Levitt is not alone in his concerns. Local residents have also expressed frustration about the noise impacting their sleeping habits among other issues. The operator has a total of nine car parks in the city centre but the St James Street site is the only location with the said the alarm was conceived as a safe way of deterring of people from loitering in the car Mr Levitt said the noise was hurting business by driving staff and customers "insane", as well as discouraging people from using the bar's outdoor areas."The very minute the alarm goes off, customers want to leave our outdoor seating area, which is a massive problem for us especially given the hot weather," he said."When it is peak hours and we are full inside, those customers leave. That's 15 seats empty as quickly as that."We are a new business, and 15 paying customers leaving is a massive hit to us. The alarm is costing us custom, reputation and money." Mr Levitt's concerns about the alarm also extend beyond business. "I work at the bar 50 hours a week and it drives me insane - never mind residents and people who may be rough sleeping around here," he said."To me, it is unethical. The car park might not admit that it's targeting homeless people but we think it is and it isn't fair. It needs switching off permanently."Local residents have also found the alarm Davies and Katie Jones, who live on Standard Hill just opposite the car park, said the noise had made them consider moving out of their Davies, 25, said: "When we have to open our windows in the summer, the sound is unbearable."I work in a safety critical role on the railways, and the noise disrupted my sleep to the point where I had to take some time off work. "We've discussed options like moving elsewhere, but we don't want that to happen."Miss Jones, 24, added: "We love supporting local businesses, but when we go to places like Loose Ends, we are just reminded of the sound."Sometimes it feels like we can't escape the noise, and it puts us off doing things locally." Nottingham charity Framework, which supports homeless people, said its outreach teams were aware of the alarm, which it understood to be the only one of its kind in the city.A spokesperson said: "Sleeping on the streets puts people at physical risk - from attack, being urinated on, and losing their possessions."In these circumstances out-of-the-way places such as car parks, where you are less visible and can stay warm and dry, are an understandable option. "If you find someone sleeping rough in a car park, let our outreach team know, and we will try to get them into accommodation at the earliest opportunity."NCP told the BBC that moving forward, it would look at options such as closing windows in the stairwells to make the noise a statement, the operator said: "We are very sorry if [the alarm] is affecting people staying near the car park."Our team constantly reviews whether the current sites that have it are benefitting from using it, so it is an ongoing process."
CTV News
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
‘The law applies equally, even to celebrities,' U.S. officials say after arrest of U.K. singer who failed to cross into Canada
A Canada Border Services Agency officer speaks with travellers crossing at the Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ontario Friday, June 7, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Aaron Lynett A U.K. singer was arrested at a New York border crossing after being refused entry into Canada, according to an official with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was arrested two months ago after trying to cross into Canada in Niagara Falls, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in an email statement to Thursday night. Peters, who goes by the name Jane Eugene, is a former vocalist with the R&B group Loose Ends. Saying, 'the law applies equally, even to celebrities,' McLaughlin said Peters was 'denied an immigrant petition for alien work in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application.' This is a developing news story. Check back for more information. With files from Dorcas Marfo
