ORLANDO, Fla – Orlando music venue owner “Uncle Lou,” a longtime fixture in the city’s music scene, has been apprehended and is currently on an immigration hold by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, alarming musicians and fans who credit him with giving countless bands their first stage.
The Orange County Incarcerations page lists Cleon Ortille Williams, 62, as booked May 9 with an immigration hold and no charges shown.
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U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost said in a Facebook post that Uncle Lou “was apprehended last night” and is being held at the local jail on an immigration hold for ICE. Frost said he has connected with Uncle Lou’s daughter and is working with Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and Commissioner Mike Scott. Frost said he has reached out to ICE and that they are working to determine next steps.
Williams, who is from Jamaica, built Uncle Lou’s Entertainment Hall into a launching pad for local punk, hardcore and experimental acts after opening on Michigan Avenue in 2005, then moving to Mills Avenue in 2006. He has hosted bands from around the world at his venue.
Several community members have been posting on his behalf, asking for answers.
Eskamani said in a Facebook post that she is trying to learn more and that “Uncle Lou” was in the Orange County Jail, with no criminal charges and an ICE hold,” which she said likely means he will be transported to an ICE facility. She described him as “a major figure in the Orlando indie music scene” and asked anyone with more details to email her.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.