ORLANDO, Fla. – After attempting to fight deportation, Orlando music venue owner ‘Uncle Lou’ has accepted deportation back to Jamaica.
The update comes from a social media post by Rep. Anna Eskamani (D - Orlando), after she says she spoke with his legal team.
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The post shares that ‘Uncle Lou’ does not qualify for an immigration bond and has decided not to fight his case any longer.
Cleon Williams, also known as ‘Uncle Lou’, was arrested on May 9 during a sting operation and was held in the Orange County jail on an immigration hold before facing a second-degree misdemeanor charge.
That charge was because he was accused of intent to sell alcohol without a license.
He was eventually picked up by ICE on May 19.
‘Uncle Lou’ was a fixture in the Orlando community for about 2 decades, with supporters saying his bar helped emerging talent.
Local lawmakers were unsuccessful in their attempts to help free Williams.
The post by Eskamani said, “Under a new federal administration, he may have a viable pathway to return in the future. This is not the news we wanted, and I’m grateful to everyone who has rallied around Uncle Lou.”
Williams’ attorney said his client will look for a pathway to return once there’s a new administration in Washington.