Key Takeaways
• Yamal Said, Lord Buffalo’s drummer, was detained by CBP at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport on May 12, 2025.
• His detention, linked to alleged restraining order violations, forced the immediate cancellation of Lord Buffalo’s European tour.
• Green card holders facing felony charges risk detention, deportation, and loss of travel privileges, as highlighted by Said’s case.
The Austin, Texas-based band Lord Buffalo found themselves in a challenging and unexpected situation after their drummer, Yamal Said, was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. This event took place on Monday, May 12, 2025, and led the band to cancel their long-awaited European tour. The incident has caught the attention of music fans, immigration watchers, and those interested in the movement of artists across borders. It also touches on the deeper issues involving lawful permanent residents and U.S. immigration law.
Lord Buffalo is known for their powerful psych-Americana sound. Yamal Said has been their drummer for eight years. On the morning of their scheduled flight to Europe, the group gathered at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, ready to embark on their tour. Instead, their plans fell apart when Said was removed from the airplane by CBP officers. The band later announced the tour’s cancellation on Wednesday, May 14, sharing their heartbreak and concern for Said, who, at that point, had not been released from custody.
Let’s break down what happened, who is involved, and what it could mean for travelers and artists like Lord Buffalo. We’ll also look at how the detention of Yamal Said highlights the complicated intersection of criminal law, immigration regulations, and the unique challenges faced by lawful permanent residents.
How Yamal Said’s Detention Unfolded
The band Lord Buffalo was on the verge of embarking on their European tour to promote their latest album “Holus Bolus,” released in 2024. The group consists of Daniel Pruitt (vocals/guitar), Garrett Hellman (guitar), Patrick Patterson (violin), and Yamal Said (drums). Their plans took a sharp turn at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, one of the busiest international travel hubs in the United States.
According to a CBP statement, Yamal Said, who is a citizen of Mexico 🇲🇽 and a lawful permanent resident of the United States (commonly known as a green card holder), was detained because of an arrest warrant connected to alleged violations of a restraining order. In Texas, violating a restraining order more than once can be a felony, depending on the facts. Felonies can be grounds for serious immigration consequences, especially for green card holders.
Lord Buffalo communicated directly to their fans and the public through social media, stating, “We are heartbroken to announce we have to cancel our upcoming European tour. 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.”
The band is currently working with an immigration lawyer to learn more about Said’s situation and to see if his release can be secured. They have expressed hope that this is only a temporary setback and have stated their intention to reschedule the tour if possible.
Who Is Yamal Said?
Yamal Said’s personal journey started in the 1980s when he moved to the United States from Mexico 🇲🇽 following a devastating earthquake in Mexico City. Over the years, he not only became an integral part of Lord Buffalo but also dedicated himself to education. Said is a music teacher at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin, where he’s built a reputation as a valued member of the school’s staff. Paul Carlson, the assistant principal, described him as “a highly esteemed and long-standing member of our school community.”
For eight years, Said has brought energy and skill to Lord Buffalo’s rhythm section. The group itself has put out three albums: their self-titled debut in 2017, “Tohu Wa Bohu” in 2020, and “Holus Bolus” in 2024. Along the way, they’ve built a loyal fanbase, and their live shows have brought together people from different backgrounds.
Lord Buffalo’s European tour was set to be a major moment for the band. But with Said’s detention, all plans fell apart in an instant.
What Led to the Detention?
The details about the restraining order and the exact events that led to the warrant for Said’s arrest have not been fully released. What is clear from public sources is that the alleged violation took place more than once, and this type of violation can lead to felony charges in Texas, depending on the specifics.
Under U.S. immigration law, having a felony on record—even as a green card holder—can have severe consequences. When someone with a green card is arrested or has an active warrant, CBP and immigration officers can detain the person at ports of entry, including airports like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. If the charges or conviction meet certain criteria, the government may begin deportation or removal proceedings, a process that can take time.
For those wondering, lawful permanent residents like Said have the legal right to live and work in the United States. They have held a green card, which means they have passed security checks and shown that they will follow U.S. laws. However, holding a green card does not protect someone from being detained or even removed from the country if they are charged with serious crimes.
Immediate Impact: Tour Cancelled, Band Left in Limbo
The effect of Yamal Said’s detention was immediate and far-reaching. Lord Buffalo had no choice but to call off their entire European tour, which was meant to support their new album and further grow their audience abroad. The cancellation was announced to fans and venues by a deeply disappointed band.
Their touring partners, the Norwegian band Orsak:Oslo, decided to press on with the scheduled European shows. Orsak:Oslo also made a public statement in support of Lord Buffalo, saying, “No one should be removed from a plane and imprisoned simply for trying to travel and create art with their band.” This has brought more attention to the challenges musicians face when crossing borders for work.
Said remains at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, with limited information available about his legal status or what might happen next. The lack of details also makes it difficult for the band to plan their next steps.
Immigration Law, Airports, and the Role of CBP
Yamal Said’s situation brings into focus the powerful role that U.S. Customs and Border Protection plays in the movement of people across international borders. CBP officers stationed at international airports, like Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, check the legal status of people leaving or entering the country. When they find active warrants or legal issues, they have the authority to detain travelers, even if they are green card holders.
For those not familiar, a green card is the identity document that proves someone is a lawful permanent resident. Green card holders enjoy many of the same rights as U.S. citizens, but they do not have the absolute right to re-enter the United States or leave without inspection. If criminal allegations surface, these rights can quickly become limited.
When a lawful permanent resident is detained by CBP due to an arrest warrant, they might be handed over to local law enforcement depending on the charges. If the charges could lead to removal under immigration laws, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may take over. The process can be confusing, and people in this situation often need experienced legal support.
For more information on what happens when a green card holder faces legal trouble while traveling, you can visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services page on rights and responsibilities.
How Artists and Travelers Are Affected
Yamal Said is far from the only artist to face unexpected legal problems at an airport. Artists and workers from other countries often need to travel to perform, collaborate, or do business. Incidents like this show how quickly things can go wrong—even when everything seems to be in order.
For bands like Lord Buffalo, a single event involving one member can force the cancellation of an entire tour. Promoters, fans, venues, and even other bands can be left scrambling. Not only do musicians miss out on income, but they also lose chances to connect with fans and build their careers.
Touring, especially in Europe, has become more complex after a rise in security and border enforcement. Even small legal issues—from unpaid fines to unresolved court dates—can lead to detentions, missed flights, or denied entry. This means artists and their teams must keep paperwork, legal status, and travel records in order at all times.
A Community Rallies Around Lord Buffalo and Yamal Said
The situation has inspired an outpouring of support from fans and fellow musicians. The Texas School for the Blind, where Yamal Said teaches, has also voiced their concern and support. Paul Carlson, the school’s assistant principal, praised Said’s role as both a teacher and a community member.
On social media, people expressed frustration with the way the case was handled. Many suggested that more should be done to support artists like Said, who contribute to cultural exchange and the American arts scene.
The debate also touches on how U.S. immigration law balances public safety and individual rights. Some pointed out that if the allegations against Said are serious, the authorities need to follow the law. Others believe that the legal process should move quickly, especially when it affects not only the individual but also their family and community.
Next Steps for the Band and Yamal Said
At the time of this report, Lord Buffalo is working with an immigration attorney to understand what legal options are open for Yamal Said. They hope that with clear information and proper support, they can help Said return to his work as a teacher and a musician.
The band has reassured their fans that they have not given up. In their public statements, they thank everyone for the support and remain optimistic that the tour might be rescheduled. The experience, while painful, has brought the band members closer together and underscored the importance of community.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that artists and green card holders alike should always be aware of ongoing or unresolved legal matters, as these can have an immediate effect on travel and immigration status. The website recommends that travelers check with legal experts before leaving the country, especially if they are aware of any pending lawsuits, warrants, or court dates.
Long-Term Effects on Artists and Immigrants
The fallout from the incident at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport may extend far beyond Lord Buffalo and Yamal Said. Musicians, athletes, and professionals from other countries must now think about how even minor legal problems can upend their plans, reputations, and financial well-being.
The story also highlights the need for clear communication between law enforcement, immigration officials, employers, and communities when a green card holder is detained. While public safety is important, these situations can do lasting harm if they are not managed with care.
At the same time, supporters of strict immigration enforcement argue that border officials have a duty to uphold the law and make sure only those without legal issues are allowed to travel easily. This debate continues as artists and immigrants tell their own stories of how law and policy shape their lives.
Conclusion
The sudden detention of Yamal Said at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport serves as a stark reminder that no one, not even artists who are green card holders, is immune from the complications of law and immigration controls. Lord Buffalo’s canceled tour deeply impacts the band, their fans, and a much wider creative community.
For other travelers—especially green card holders—it’s important to know that unresolved legal matters, even those that may seem minor, can have serious consequences at international borders. Following the rights and responsibilities set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is one way to avoid these troubles.
Lord Buffalo, supported by their fans, students, and fellow musicians, continues to fight for their drummer’s release and looks forward to a time when the music can play on again. Yamal Said’s story is a powerful example of the human side of immigration law—where personal histories and public policy collide in sometimes deeply personal ways.
Learn Today
Lawful Permanent Resident → A person legally authorized to live and work permanently in the U.S., typically holding a green card.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → A U.S. federal agency responsible for securing borders and regulating entry and exit at ports, including airports.
Restraining Order → A legal order issued by a court restricting someone’s actions, often to protect another person from harm or contact.
Felony → A serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment and have significant immigration consequences, including deportation.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process by which the U.S. government seeks to deport or remove a non-citizen from the country due to violations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Lord Buffalo’s 2025 European tour was halted when drummer Yamal Said was detained at Dallas/Fort Worth Airport. As a green card holder facing felony allegations, his case exposes the legal vulnerabilities immigrants endure. The incident underscores the travel risks lawful permanent residents face and the serious impact on artists’ careers and communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
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