The rap community is rallying around 21 Savage after he was arrested by ICE on Sunday morning (February 3). The 26-year-old Atlanta resident is allegedly from the U.K. and has been in the United States illegally for the past 13 years.
21 was riding around with fellow rapper Young Nudy and two other men when they were pulled over. Although Nudy was law enforcement’s original target, once APD officers ran 21’s government name – Sha Yaa Bin Abraham-Joseph — he was placed into custody.
According to a statement from ICE, “Mr. Abraham-Joseph initially entered the U.S. legally in July 2005, but subsequently failed to depart under the terms of his nonimmigrant visa and he became unlawfully present in the U.S. when his visa expired in July 2006.
“In addition to being in violation of federal immigration law, Mr. Abraham-Joseph was convicted on felony drug charges in October 2014 in Fulton County, Georgia.”
TheI Am > I Was artist is currently facing deportation. Despite the serious nature of the situation, social media has turned 21 into a giant meme.
Killer Mike, Cardi B, Meek Mill, Offset, Nicki Minaj, Vince Staples and Swizz Beatz are just a few of the many artists who have come to 21’s defense. [apple_news_ad type=”any”]
Check out their reactions below.
Your obsession w/our culture is scary to say the least. I hate giving you the attention you so desperately crave. Laughing @ ppl getting deported as if your ancestors discovered America. Are you Native American? You fkn clown. https://t.co/7m0fYnubkq
— QUEEN (@NICKIMINAJ) February 4, 2019
My sincere hope is to see this young man who has made a way for himself allowed to stay and continue to prosper and grow his legacy. Sincere prayers for him and his family and team. @21savage Should be allowed to remain in this country. pic.twitter.com/8Wp5GJLKHf
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) February 3, 2019
ALL THE MEMES AND SHIT AINT FUNNY WHEN SOMEBODY GOING THROUGH SOME
PRAYING FOR MY DAWG
AINT SHIT FUNNY HIS FANILY
DEPENDING ON HIM— OFFSET (@OffsetYRN) February 4, 2019
Don’t make me get my leash https://t.co/ErQ2RhzDeg
— iamcardib (@iamcardib) February 4, 2019
Free 21 ?
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) February 4, 2019
Free 21 !
— Vince Staples (@vincestaples) February 3, 2019
FREE @21SAVAGE BITCH
— underdog (@lilyachty) February 4, 2019
FREE 21 SAVAGE ?
— RICH THE KID (@richthekid) February 4, 2019
Snitching at its all time high FREE 21
— DURKIOOO? (@lildurk) February 3, 2019
NA HELL NA FREE 21 ON GANG THIS SH*T WOCKY FR https://t.co/29Qq5pykQ5
— 6-0 ? (@RetcH07BIX) February 3, 2019
Free lil man this shit crazy
— ?️i'erre ?️ourne (@pierrebourne) February 3, 2019
Free 21
— Kid Ink (@Kid_Ink) February 3, 2019
This. https://t.co/VZNoYHgbQG
— Honorable C.N.O.T.E (@HonorableCnote) February 3, 2019
Prayers to 21 and his entire family… this is nuts man
— !llmindPutTheLoopOn (@illmindPRODUCER) February 3, 2019
21 savage the biggest Uk rapper ..
— 24HRS (@2fourhrs) February 3, 2019
FUCK ICE FREE 21
— nessly (@nessly24k) February 3, 2019