AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An Austin-based band went viral online this week after posting on social media that it had to cancel a European tour because its drummer was "forcibly removed" by Customs and Border Patrol from a flight out of the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
The band, Lord Buffalo, said in the post, "We are heartbroken to announce we have to cancel our upcoming European tour. Our drummer, 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."
Lord Buffalo's post initially stated that their drummer had not yet been released, with band members unable to contact him by that point, and that they were working with an immigration lawyer to find out more information and secure his release.
Lord Buffalo's announcement quickly gained traction online. Several news outlets, including NBC News, Variety, Pitchfork, Fox News, and The Guardian, reported on the situation, primarily citing Lord Buffalo's social media posts. Many commenters on Lord Buffalo's Facebook post expressed concern that Yamal's detainment was related to his citizenship status, amid ramped-up efforts from the Trump administration to crack down on immigration.
However, online jail records from Tarrant County, which is where the DFW Airport is located, show that Yamal, whose full name is Saad Yamal Saidbaca, was arrested on an active warrant out of Llano County for alleged violation of a protective order twice in the last year.
Saidbaca is still in custody at the Tarrant County Corrections Center on a $40,000 bond, according to online jail records.
KXAN reached out to the Tarrant County District Clerk's office to request an affidavit and attorney information related to Saidbaca's arrest, but the office responded saying, "we do not have a Tarrant County district court case associated to the defendant; therefore, we do not have any information responsive to your request."
When KXAN finds attorney information for Saidbaca, we will reach out to ask for a comment on the charges.
KXAN also contacted the Llano County District Clerk's Office, which directed us to the Llano County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office has not yet responded.
The Department of Homeland Security posted on X about the arrest.
"Yamal Said is a Mexican national and lawful U.S. permanent resident. Said had a warrant for his arrest after violating a restraining order at least TWICE. If you come to our country and break our laws, you will be arrested," the post said. "When he was attempting to leave the U.S., he was apprehended by CBP and has been turned over to local law enforcement."
A CBP spokesperson gave a similar statement to KXAN via email Thursday afternoon.
"Yamal Said, a Mexican citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection while attempting to depart the United States aboard a flight due to having an active arrest warrant. He was turned over to local law enforcement."
In an update to Lord Buffalo's Facebook post, the band said Yamal had "secured the legal representation he needs," and that band members were waiting to hear what's next. They added that they "have more questions than answers," but ensured plans to provide updates on the situation.
KXAN reached out to Lord Buffalo via Facebook and Instagram, and we have not yet received a response. This story will be updated if/when we get a reply. A newer post from the band said that Saidbaca's family and legal team request privacy while the situation evolves.
Lord Buffalo's record label, Blues Funeral Recordings, said over email Wednesday evening that "Yamal's status is still unclear and the band is continuing to try to figure things out alongside their attorney."
The label said the band is holding off on answering questions for now.
According to a Voyage Austin feature on Saidbaca that was published in 2024, he and his family moved to Austin in the late 80s after an earthquake hit Mexico City, and he's been in Austin since then. In that story, Saidbaca told the publication that he started working at Texas School for the Blind as a substitute when he was about 18 years old.
He still works for the school as a paraprofessional, according to Superintendent Emily Coleman. Coleman told KXAN over email on Wednesday evening that the school was "made aware of Yamal's situation today and have not been in direct contact with him."
"Yamal is a valued member of our community, with over 21 years of service to our school, and was recently awarded the Outstanding Paraprofessional of the year," said Coleman, who also added that the school was not aware of any active warrant or protective order.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Austin band cancels European tour after drummer arrested by CBP at Dallas airport )
Also on site :