Drummer Detained, Tour Canceled: The Border That Stopped Lord Buffalo

A drummer boards a plane, a band dreams of European stages, and a border agent decides their fate. In an instant, the rhythm of Lord Buffalo’s tour was silenced.

The Unseen Border

Yamal Said, a Mexican citizen and lawful U.S. permanent resident, was removed from a flight at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport on May 12, 2025. Despite holding a green card and residing in Austin since the 1980s, he was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents. His bandmates, left in disbelief, canceled their European tour scheduled to begin the next day.

A Silent Detention

Since his removal, Said has been incommunicado. The band, heartbroken and confused, has been unable to contact him. They are working with an immigration lawyer, but answers remain elusive.

Echoes of a Larger Issue

This incident is not isolated. Musicians from various backgrounds have faced similar challenges under current U.S. immigration policies. From visa denials to detentions, the arts community grapples with the implications of stringent border enforcement.

The Sound of Silence

As Lord Buffalo’s tourmates, Orsak:Oslo, continue their journey, the question lingers: What happened to Yamal Said? And why does a border agent’s decision hold such power over an artist’s destiny?

In the world of music, borders are meant to be crossed, not enforced. Yet, in this instance, a border not only separated countries but also silenced a band’s voice. As the music world watches, the fate of Yamal Said remains a poignant reminder of the fragile line between freedom and control.