Vocalist Jane Eugene, a founding member of the ‘80s British band Loose Ends — which scored No. 1 R&B hits on the Billboard charts with “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating)” and “Slow Down” — has been detained by ICE agents for nearly three months owing to a visa overstay.
Currently housed in a correctional facility in Kentucky and facing deportation, Eugene is scheduled to attend a hearing this week in hopes of being released on bond and allowed to stay in the country, even provisionally. In the meantime, a GoFundMe page has been organized on Eugene’s behalf to raise donations for her bail, legal fees, medical assistance and basic needs.
According to Eugene’s representatives, the singer — who has lived in the U.S. for decades — was traveling across the Canadian border when she was stopped by immigration officers. That’s where ICE picked Eugene up and took her to a jail in upstate New York before her transfer to the Kentucky facility. She’s now been housed there for nearly three months, along with inmates convicted of various other crimes. Those “conditions are taking a huge toll,” as noted on her GoFundMe page. “Jane’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Unable to work or generate income for the past few months and foreseeable future, Jane needs our help.”
As also explained on the GoFundMe page, a provision under Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) states that people who entered the country and applied for a green card before 2001 are allowed to reapply for legal status while still in the U.S., even if they’ve overstayed their visa. Because Eugene has lived in the U.S. for decades, she “meets the requirements for 245(i) and is ‘grandfathered’ in.”
Together with vocalist/guitarist Carl McIntosh and keyboardist/vocalist Steve Nichol, Eugene comprised the founding lineup of Loose Ends in 1980. The trio landed its first No. 1 R&B hit in 1985 with “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating),” followed a year later by a second chart-topping R&B single, “Slow Down.” Before exiting Loose Ends in 1990, Eugene appeared on additional hits by the band, including “Watching You” and “Mr. Bachelor.” Since then, she’s been touring as Loose Ends featuring Jane Eugene.
If deported, Eugene faces the possibility of being banned from the U.S. for a decade.
“She loves America, has made her home here and wants to fight using every legal remedy available,” states the GoFundMe page. “To those of us who know her personally, she’s not just an R&B legend; she’s one of the most caring and compassionate human beings you will ever meet. Aside from enriching the lives of millions through her performances through the years and influencing numerous musical genres, including neo soul, house and hip-hop, she mentors aspiring artists and actively supports members of any community in need.”