Days after performing in front of thousands of fans during a pre-Super Bowl LIII concert, rapper 21 Savage has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the "Bank Account" rapper was arrested in Atlanta on Sunday morning after ICE authorities claimed the musician is actually from the United Kingdom and overstayed his visa.
Fans of the 26-year-old rapper, whose legal name is Shayaabin Abraham-Joseph, have long regarded him to be from Atlanta, the host city of the 2019 Super Bowl. However, CNN writes that officials from ICE believe he emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States in 2005. His visa expired the following year, and 21 never returned to his alleged home country.
In a statement obtained by the cable news network, ICE confirmed he remains under its watch while investigations continue and will determine next steps based on the decision of the judge presiding over his case. The New York Times reports the artist could be facing deportation.
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts," the government agency said. "ICE will now await the outcome of his case before a federal immigration judge to determine future actions."
While the "X" rapper has not publicly spoken about the situation, a lawyer for the artist told TMZ they are working hard to orchestrate a release and mentioned his longtime philanthropic efforts in the A.
"We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with authorities to clear up any misunderstanding," Dina LaPolt stated. "Mr. Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in the country — especially in Atlanta, Georgia and is actively working in the community leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy."
In addition to launching a campaign geared toward helping adolescents understand how to manage their finances, 21 has also successfully hosted a back-to-school crusade for three consecutive years in Atlanta, giving more than $10,000 to elementary schools in disadvantaged communities.
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