US Border Officials Remove Green-Card Holder from Flight at Dallas Airport

The cancellation of Texas band Lord Buffalo's European tour was prompted by the detention of their drummer, Yamal Said, at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Monday, triggering a wave of concern over the scrutiny faced by legal permanent residents in the current immigration climate.

Said, a green-card holder and Mexican national, was apprehended by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials while preparing to board a flight to Amsterdam for the commencement of an eight-show tour promoting the band's latest album, "Holus Bolus." The arrest, attributed to an outstanding warrant issued by the Llano County Sheriff's Office, has resulted in the abrupt termination of the band's international performances.

Currently held in a Tarrant County facility, Said faces allegations of violating a protective order, a felony offence under Texas law. A conviction could lead to a minimum prison sentence of two years. His legal team is actively pursuing his release and evaluating subsequent legal strategies. Lord Buffalo expressed their disappointment in a public statement, emphasising the band's commitment to Said's well-being. "We are devastated to cancel this tour, but we are focusing all of our energy and resources on Yamal's safety and freedom," the band stated on Facebook.

Said's detention coincides with increased national attention on federal immigration enforcement practices. Reports of lawful permanent residents facing apprehension by border officials, despite possessing valid documentation, have become more frequent, sparking inquiries into the enforcement priorities of the current administration.

The Trump administration has pledged to intensify efforts to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, a policy that has ignited debate regarding its implications for individuals with long-standing ties to the United States.

While green-card holders are granted the right to reside in the US indefinitely, this status is not without conditions. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations stipulate that permanent residency can be revoked for violations of immigration law, failure to meet tax obligations, or engagement in specific criminal activities. 

USCIS has consistently advised legal residents to avoid actions that could jeopardise their residency status. In response to inquiries, CBP defended its decision to detain Said, asserting that an active arrest warrant was in effect at the time he attempted to depart the country. However, immigration advocates contend that cases like Said's underscore broader concerns regarding enforcement tactics and the potential for unwarranted scrutiny of green-card holders.

The cancellation of Lord Buffalo's tour has resonated throughout the music community, especially among fans anticipating the band's collaboration with the post-Krautrock noise group Orsak: Oslo. Despite Lord Buffalo's withdrawal, Orsak: Oslo has confirmed its intention to proceed with the tour as scheduled.

Lord Buffalo has encouraged fans to support their fellow musicians, stating, "We urge everyone to go see this amazing band and support them over the next couple of weeks."