Jane Eugene, a chart-topping British star, has just been detained in the US! And the reason? She’s facing deportation for allegedly overstaying her visa by a staggering 26 years! Can you even wrap your head around that?
This is a truly unbelievable turn of events that highlights the complex and often unforgiving nature of immigration laws, even for celebrities. It’s a story that will make you gasp and wonder how on earth this could have happened.
The Detainment: A Border Crossing Nightmare
The drama unfolded when Ms. Eugene, 62, also known by her real name Jane Peters, was encountered by US immigration officials at the Canadian border crossing at Niagara Falls. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), she was apparently attempting to leave the United States but was refused entry into Canada. When she tried to re-enter the US, she was then arrested by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents. This happened about two months ago, and the news is just now breaking, adding to the shock.
Imagine that moment: trying to cross a border, only to be turned back, then immediately arrested by the authorities of the country you’ve called home for decades. It must have been absolutely terrifying and disorienting.
A Life in the Shadows: 26 Years Overstayed?
The core of the issue is the astonishing claim by US government sources that Jane Eugene had been living in the United States for many years, leading a US-based version of Loose Ends and performing around the country from her home in Los Angeles, all while allegedly being an undocumented immigrant. They claim she had overstayed her visa by 26 years! That’s a quarter-century of living in the US without proper authorization.
Sources further allege that she even applied for a US “green card” way back in 1999. But here’s the kicker: she was reportedly already an overstay at the time of that application, and her request was refused. This suggests a long, complex history with US immigration, where she was aware of her status but seemingly continued to reside and work in the country.
Now, her lengthy alleged visa overstay could lead to incredibly serious legal consequences. We’re talking about potential removal proceedings (deportation) and a possible 10-year re-entry ban from the United States if she is indeed found to have accumulated “unlawful presence” for more than a year and then departed. This means she might not be able to return to the US for a decade, potentially severing her ties to her life and career there.
“The Law Applies Equally, Even to Celebrities”: DHS Statement
In a powerful statement that leaves no room for doubt, Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), directly addressed the situation to MailOnline. “The law applies equally, even to celebrities,” she declared. This is a clear message that fame and past achievements do not grant immunity from immigration regulations.
McLaughlin provided more specific details: “Jane Eugene Sendall Peters was denied an immigrant petition for alien workers in 1999 and had already overstayed her visa at the time of application. On May 3, 2025, Peters was encountered in Niagara Falls, NY after being refused entry to Canada. CBP arrested her and she is pending a hearing with the Executive Office for Immigration Review.” This confirms the official stance and the legal process now underway.
The DHS statement reinforces a critical point in US immigration law: overstaying a US visa by more than a year is classified as “unlawful presence.” If a person then leaves the country, this can automatically trigger a 10-year bar from re-entering. This is a strict rule designed to deter visa overstays and ensure compliance with immigration laws.
Loose Ends: A Legacy and a Shocking Reality
Loose Ends, the group Jane Eugene fronted, was a true sensation. Their biggest hit, “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating),” released in 1985, was a monumental success. It topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, making them the first British band ever to achieve that feat! It also soared to number 13 in the UK top twenty. The trio, formed in London in 1980 with vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, singer Ms. Eugene, and keyboard player Steve Nichol, initially went by “Loose End” before changing to “Loose Ends” in 1983 and signing with Virgin Records.
The band’s legacy is undeniable, and Jane Eugene was a central part of that. To think that a star who achieved such heights in the US charts was allegedly living for so long with precarious immigration status is truly mind-boggling. This story is a stark reminder that behind the glamour of celebrity, there can be incredibly complex and challenging personal realities. It also highlights the intricate and often unforgiving nature of immigration systems, where even decades of residence and contribution do not negate the legal consequences of non-compliance. This is a developing story, and we’ll be watching closely to see how this unfolds for the iconic R&B singer.
 has been detained in the US and faces deportation for allegedly overstaying her visa by 26 years. DHS confirms her arrest, stating "the law applies equally, even to celebrities."){kind=link}