Rapper 21 Savage has been released on bond after nine days in ICE detention. ICE claimed the Atlanta-based rapper, who was born in England, had overstayed his H-4 visa, though his official legal status remains unclear. Though he is released on bond, he is still facing deportation proceedings.
Shortly after the release, his lawyer released a statement on Facebook saying:
“For the past 9 long days, we, on behalf of She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, known to the world as 21 Savage, have been speaking with ICE to both clarify his actual legal standing, his eligibility for bond, and provide evidence of his extraordinary contributions to his community and society.
In the last 24 hours, in the wake of the Grammy Awards at which he was scheduled to attend and perform, we received notice that She’yaa was granted an expedited hearing.
Today, 21 Savage was granted a release on bond. He won his freedom.
21 Savage asked us to send a special message to his fans and supporters—he says that while he wasn’t present at the Grammy Awards, he was there in spirit and is grateful for the support from around the world and is more than ever, ready to be with his loved ones and continue making music that brings people together.
He will not forget this ordeal or any of the other fathers, sons, family members, and faceless people, he was locked up with or that remain unjustly incarcerated across the country. And he asks for your hearts and minds to be with them.”
Charles Kuck Dina Laporte and Alex Spiro.
That 21 Savage is from England came as a shock to many fans, as his music and image are deeply tied to Atlanta.