The rapper was arrested by I.C.E. on Sunday.
21 Savage’s co-manager Meezy has shared new information on the rapper’s condition since his arrest on Sunday. Savage remains in federal immigration custody as he faces potential deportation for overstaying his visa.
“Just got off phone wit Savage,” he tweeted and later deleted. “He is in lockdown for 23hrs of the day no tv or any communication besides our 10 min phone calls … everything I’ve told him that has been happening made him happy & makes this time fly by thank y’all for the support.”
21 Savage's manager let's us know his current situation ICE custody.#hiphop pic.twitter.com/mxB19DwCl6
— BlackRoomMedia (@BlackRoomMedia1) February 5, 2019
In a statement released on Monday, Savage’s lawyer Charles H. Kuck said his client’s arrest was “based upon incorrect information.” Kuck confirmed Savage (real name Shayaa Bin Abraham-Joseph) had entered the country as a minor with his family who had overstayed their work visas, but said Savage applied for a new visa in 2017.
“This is a civil law violation,” Kuck stated, “and the continued detention of Mr. Abraham-Joseph serves no other purpose than to unnecessarily punish him and try to intimidate him into giving up his right to fight to remain in the United States.”
21 Savage arrest has prompted outrage from within the entertainment community and beyond. Others including Meek Mill, Offset, and Cardi B have also joined the #Free21Savage movement. “We will read and educate ourselves on this situation and we will take action!” wrote the “Bodak Yellow” rapper. “21 did not come here illegally and was not caught doing anything illegal or doing any mischief! in fact he have change his whole life around and as ya can see he’s been very positive in his actions and music.”
The Black Lives Matter Global Network has organized a petition demanding that Savage’s potential deportation be stopped. As of a press time, it has been signed by over 140,000 people.
