By NAN ET EDITOR
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 16, 2018: The countdown to the December 8, 2018 slated US prison release of top Caribbean-born reggae star, Buju Banton, is being touted all across social media, but according to immigration experts, the singer will still have to endure additional detention before he is finally deported.
But according to US immigration experts, on the day Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie, is set to be released from the U.S. federal prison system, he will be handed over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, (US ICE) agents, who will take him to a detention facility to await deportation to Jamaica.
That’s because an immigration detainer, also known as an ICE hold or an immigration detainer, will be placed on Banton, 45, by the the government to notify prison officials at the McRae penitentiary in Georgia not to release him from prison.
Typically, detainers are issued by an authorized immigration official or local police officer designated to act as an immigration official. Detainers instruct federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies to hold individuals for up to 48 business hours beyond the time they otherwise would have been released.
What Happens Next?
Banton will likely be transferred into federal custody of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security since the crime he committed and served his time for makes him/her deportable from the U.S. He will then have to await on the Consulate of Jamaica in the Southern District to secure approval that the country will accept him back to Jamaica. Given his status, more than likely efforts will be made to plan ahead to augment and process him in the quickest way possible within the rules and regulations of the laws.
Once that happens, he will be put on a plane and sent back to his homeland since Banton is not fighting his immigration status and has chosen voluntary deportation.
The Kingston-born, Grammy-winning star, of ‘It’s Not An Easy Road’ fame, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and using communication wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense on Feb. 22, 2011, after a controversial second trial that was tainted by jury misconduct. He was found not guilty on the charge of attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine. Four months later, he was sentenced to ten years and one month in a federal prison for the cocaine trafficking conviction.
Banton is scheduled to be released on December 8, 2018. Banton has homes in Jamaica and Tamarac, Florida and is reportedly the father to 15 children. Because of his criminal record, Banton will no longer be able to work or travel to the US.
Still as the countdown begins Banton has sent a message to his fans in which he states: “In light of the adversity I have encountered, I feel the need to stress that my only desire going forward is peace and love. I only want to be associated with my craft. Having survived, I want to share the good news and strength of my music. I just want to continue making music, which I’ve devoted my life to. I look forward to the opportunity to say a personal thanks to my fans and everyone who supported me. -Love BUJU BANTON.”
