British singer from 80s R&B group is arrested by immigration officials

A chart-topping British singing star faces deportation back to the UK after being arrested by US authorities for overstaying her visa by 26 years, MailOnline can reveal.

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 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.

The group split up and eventually reunited to appear on a single by hip-hop producer Pete Rock called ‘Take Your Time’ in 1998.

Two years ago, promoting a forthcoming gig with the Average White Band (AWB), Jane told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that her main advice to young music hopefuls was to compose their own music.

‘Really, it’s a way to create your own pension fund,’ she said, noting that publishing residuals can continue to be collected even when your career has ended.

She told the newspaper she was influenced by many black artists from the United States.

‘I was just a toddler when the Beatles were the thing, so that explains why I don’t claim them as major influences,’ she said.

Eugene and her co-band members – Steve Nichol and Carl McIntosh – were heavily influenced by the American soul stars of the late ’70s and early ’80s, namely Luther Vandross, Angela Winbush, Phyllis Hyman and Aretha Franklin.

She said: ‘My favourite song from her is ‘Ain’t No Way,’ she added. ‘You talkin’ about feelin’ her soul!’

A South African singer named Twyla was another major influence, she said.

Discussing her current band, she said: ‘When we play Pittsburgh, they’ll immediately recognize the first four or five tunes from our setlist,’ she said, citing ‘Slow Down,’ ‘Stay While Child,’ Hangin’ on a String,’ ‘You Can’t Stop the Rain’ and ‘Mr. Bachelor.’

But in 2022, fellow former Loose Ends founder Carl McIntosh sued Jane Eugene in a New York court, accusing her of trademark infringement by using the name Loose Ends in her promotional material.

Jane Eugene vigorously defended the lawsuit, claiming ‘fair use’ and the case continues.

Her Facebook and Instagram accounts have not been updated since April, when she and the group played a gig in Atlanta.

Ms McLaughlin hinted that Jane Eugene’s high-profile case could be used as an example to publicise US President Donald Trump’s new hardline approach to illegal aliens and overstayers, including a carrot-and-stick offer of a $1,000 sweetener and a free flight home to those who give themselves up.

She added: ‘President Trump and DHS Secretary [Kristi] Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S.

‘Illegal aliens can take control of their departure with the CBP Home App. The United States is offering illegal aliens $1,000 and a free flight to self-deport now.

‘We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer and reserve the chance to come back to the U.S. the right legal way to live the American dream. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return.’

MailOnline contacted various legal and business contacts for Ms Eugene.