Yamal Said, drummer of the Austin, Texas-based rock band Lord Buffalo, was forcibly removed from a plane and detained by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on Monday while en route to the band’s European tour; he has had no contact with his bandmates for two days, according to a social media post from the group. Said (pictured above, left) is a Mexican citizen but a legal permanent resident of the United States and holder of a green card, according to the post.
“We are heartbroken to announce we have to cancel our upcoming European tour,” the band wrote. “Our drummer, Yamal Said, who is a Mexican citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States (green card holder) was forcibly removed from our flight to Europe by Customs and Border Patrol at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on Monday May 12. He has not been released, and we have been unable to contact him. We are currently working with an immigration lawyer to find out more information and to attempt 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 continues. “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 @orsakoslo 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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According to the Austin Chronicle, Said has been an Austin resident since the 1980s, when his parents relocated the family here following an earthquake in Mexico City. He is a longtime staple of the Austin music scene and previously played with the band the Black, and also worked as a music instructor and substitute teacher at the Texas School for the Blind.
Variety has reached out to the band and its rep for further updates.
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