21 Savage has been released from ICE detention pending a deportation hearing.
The story was initially reported by TMZ and The Daily Beast. In a statement to the Associated Press, Savage’s lawyer Charles H. Kuck said the bond was granted too late for a Tuesday release, and that he expects the rapper will be released on Wednesday.
21 Savage, born She’yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 3 in Atlanta for overstaying his visa. A deportation hearing is still scheduled.
The rapper’s legal team of Alex Spiro, Charles H. Kuck and Dina LaPolt issued the following statement:
The arrest of 21 Savage set off a string of revelations about his nationality. Two days after his arrest, Savage’s legal team confirmed that he is a U.K. national who came to the United States at age 7. His initial visa expired in 2006 reportedly “through no fault of his own,” and he applied for a new one in 2017 as soon as he realized he needed one.
BREAKING: 21 Savage has been released on bond, according to his attorneys. pic.twitter.com/FleASiYY5x
— J.D. Capelouto (@jdcapelouto) February 12, 2019
According to TMZ, he should have been released on bond earlier because he was neither a flight risk or a danger to his community. It’s unclear why ICE held 21 for so long.
Several organizations are gathering outside of the Atlanta Immigration Court where they plan to deliver a petition with more 450,000 signatures demanding the immediate release of 21 Savage. pic.twitter.com/f1eaVYqVGG
— Jewel Wicker (@jewelwickershow) February 12, 2019
His friends, family, fans also voiced their support. Kendrick Lamar, Post Malone, SZA, J. Cole, and more have shown solidarity with Savage and others detained by ICE as part of a video for Mic.
. @KendrickLamar, @SZA, @DJKhaled, @JColeNC, and others share the #21Ways undocumented people can face deportation in America, in solidarity with 21 Savage and others detained by ICE https://t.co/tB8D9GQ2ed pic.twitter.com/SD7xryYjuK
— Mic (@mic) February 12, 2019