Jamaican dancehall artist Rygin King was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 23, according to official records reported by Nycaribnews and Jamaicaobserver.
Why it matters: The sudden federal immigration detention compounds his existing legal jeopardy and disrupts his efforts to secure permanent U.S. residency.
- King was hours away from a green‑card interview when agents arrived at his residence, Jamaicaobserver reports.
Driving the news: Federal authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact reason for the custody listing on the official online detainee locator, Nycaribnews, Caribbeannationalweekly notes.
- The entertainer is currently facing six criminal charges in New York, including second‑degree criminal possession of a loaded firearm Nycaribnews.
- He has pleaded not guilty to all charges stemming from a 2024 traffic stop in Queens that also involved his wife and four others Nycaribnews, Jamaicaobserver.
The big picture: The unfolding immigration case adds further uncertainty to his pending state criminal proceedings and medical needs Nycaribnews, Jamaicaobserver.
- His New York gun case has experienced numerous delays, with a suppression hearing previously continued and a court appearance scheduled before Justice Mary L. Bejarano Nycaribnews.
- King is a paraplegic who requires special medical care while in custody, and his previous attorney, Marc B. Laykind, confirmed he no longer represents him Jamaicaobserver.