British R&B Star Jane Eugene Detained in U.S. Over 26-Year Visa Overstay

Chart-topping British singer Jane Eugene, best known as the lead vocalist of the 1980s R&B group Loose Ends, has been detained by U.S. immigration officials and faces possible deportation for allegedly overstaying her visa by 26 years.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the 62-year-old—also known as Jane Peters—was arrested two months ago at the Canadian border crossing in Niagara Falls after she was denied entry into Canada. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents apprehended her shortly after the refusal.

Eugene, who has been living in Los Angeles for years, has led a U.S.-based version of Loose Ends, performing across the country. Records show that she applied for a U.S. green card in 1999, but the petition was denied. At that time, she had already overstayed her visa.

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.”

Under U.S. immigration law, overstaying a visa by more than a year is considered “unlawful presence” and can result in a 10-year ban from re-entering the country if the person departs.

Loose Ends, originally formed in London in 1980 by Carl McIntosh, Steve Nichol, and Jane Eugene, became the first British band to top the U.S. Billboard R&B chart with their 1985 hit “Hangin’ on a String (Contemplating).” The single also reached No. 13 on the UK charts and remains their most successful release.