Jane Eugene arrested by US immigration officials and faces deportation for ‘overstaying her visa by 26 years’

A chart-topping British singing star has been arrested by US immigration officials and faces deportation for ‘overstaying her visa by 26 years’

Jane Eugene, lead singer from 80s R&B group Loose Ends, was detained by officials at the Canadian border crossing at Niagara Falls, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Ms Eugene, 62, also known as Jane Peters, was apparently trying to leave the United States but was refused entry to Canada and then arrested by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)agents two months ago.

She has been living in the US for many years and leading a US-based version of Loose Ends, performing around the country from her home in Los Angeles.

US government sources claimed that she applied for a US ‘green card’ back in 1999, when she had already overstayed her visa, but was refused.

Now her lengthy alleged visa overstay could lead to serious legal consequences, including removal proceedings and a possible 10-year re-entry ban.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told MailOnline: ‘The law applies equally, even to celebrities.

‘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.’

Overstaying a U.S. visa by more than a year is classed as ‘unlawful presence,’ which can trigger a 10-year bar from re-entering the country if the person leaves.

Loose Ends’ biggest hit by far was in 1985 with Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating), which topped the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, the first British band ever to do so. It also reached number 13 in the UK top twenty.

The trio began in London in 1980 with vocalist and guitarist Carl McIntosh, singer Ms Eugene, and keyboard player Steve Nichol. The group was originally titled Loose End, but changed its name to Loose Ends in 1983 and were signed to Virgin Records.

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