21 Savage was arrested on Sunday in Atlanta by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — and he now faces the possibility of being deported as a result.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the 26-year old – whose real name is Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph – is accused of overstaying his welcome in America.
The rapper hails from the United Kingdom, having been born born on the Caribbean island of Dominica, a former British colony.
Authorities say 21 Savage entered this country legally in 2005, but that his visa expired the following year and is now deserves to be kicked out because he was convicted on felony drug charges in 2014.
“In addition to being in violation of federal immigration law, Mr. Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia,” an ICE spokesman said in a statement to a local Fox affiliate yesterday, adding:
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts.
"ICE will now await the outcome of his case before a federal immigration judge to determine future actions.”
21 Savage is currently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts.
The agency will await the outcome of his case before a judge to determine what happens next.
(In sort of related news, Joe Giudice was ordered to be deported in October after a judge because the Real Housewives of New Jersey star never became a U.S. citizen and also broke federal law.)
21 Savage is known for singles such as "Bank Account" and "A Lot" featuring J. Cole.
He made headlines in 2017 when it was revealed he was dating Amber Rose, although they broke up last year.
Hours after the arrest, both ICE and 21 Savage’s lawyer sent statements to E! News.
First, the attorney, Dina LaPolt, said the following:
"We are working diligently to get Mr. Abraham-Joseph out of detention while we work with the authorities to clear up any misunderstandings.
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph is a role model to the young people in this country, especially in Atlanta, Georgia, and is actively working in the community-leading programs to help underprivileged youths in financial literacy."
Then, ICE confirmed that the artist was picked up as part a targeted operation with federal and local law enforcement partners early Sunday in metro Atlanta.
"Mr. Abraham-Joseph was taken into ICE custody as he is unlawfully present in the U.S. and also a convicted felon," reads this statement.
It concluded by repeating some of the facts we mentioned above:
Mr. Abraham-Joseph initially entered the U.S. legally in July 2005, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa and he became unlawfully present in the U.S. when his visa expired in July 2006.
In addition to being in violation of federal immigration law, Mr. Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia.
Mr. Abraham-Joseph is presently in ICE custody in Georgia and has been placed into removal proceedings before the federal immigration courts.
ICE will now await the outcome of his case before a federal immigration judge to determine future actions.