Foota Hype Released After Months Of Detention In ICE Holding Facility
It seems Foota Hype is a free man.
Hype made his first post to Instagram since December 14 today, which he captioned “Time is the master and the time is now”. His fans began commenting under that post welcoming him back.
His close friend @lockit_official also posted a photo of Foota and said: “Bun🔥off Jamaica 🇯🇲 mi fam…. @footahypemusic …dem try stop yu shine but dem cah stop di time”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-0ujsnHhRE/
The popular dancehall selector, whose real name is Oneil Ricardo Thomas and who is known for his irreverent social media style, was in detention at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility since December last year.
Initial reports after his detention from the Jamaican ambassador to the United States, Audrey Marks, stated: “We can confirm that Mr Thomas was detained on Saturday, December 14, on arriving at Port Everglades Seaport aboard the Independence of the Seas, from Falmouth, Jamaica. Mr Thomas was detained for further review of his travel documents and admissibility status.”
Following Hype’s first appearance before an Immigration judge it was revealed that he chose to stay behind bars because immigration lawyers requested more time to deal with other immigration concerns. At that time the consulate confirmed that they had been in contact with the controversial selector and that he had assured them he was treated well.
His sister recently said she believed that he would be set free because of the emergence of the coronavirus and fears about his health. She made a desperate plea to Jamaicans to lobby for her brother’s release because of ongoing medical issues.
Earlier this week she revealed that the Viral King is diabetic.
“Foota is diabetic and he has to get insulin two times a day. He needs to eat a certain way, get enough rest … so even if he’s out on house arrest, we’d be happy because we can take care of him the way he ought to be cared for. I’m glad I decided to make some noise on his behalf because without noise nothing happens” she said.
At that time she also said that she was confident of his release based on communication she had with his attorneys.
“His attorney actually gave me great news. The courts are closed but the judges have been working electronically and they have decided that based on his medical condition, Foota is qualified for release. We got word via email on Saturday and we are just so happy.”
“I guess with the threat of COVID-19 and all the things he’s up against because of his health, he’s being considered. Now, it’s just a matter of time and that is really great news. Now instead of not knowing where we stand, especially with this virus running rampant, we have some hope and it feels pretty good,” she continued.
Fans immediately reacted to the news with comments of support and love. One fan said: “Foota am feel with joy for you God is ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”, another welcomed back his style of commentary on social media, “Road sah, internet lame and boring without the viral king… #blessings” and another added: “Yeeeeeeeees❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
This fan was clearly excited for the selector to make a return to social media as she posted: “Can’t wait for your live dem💙”, while another fan aptly commented: “Freedom Foota”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-zS8THDIs-/