Bassist Alvin Gibbs of the UK Subs has revealed that he and two fellow band members were denied entry to the United States this past weekend, in an incident that has sparked discussions around immigration policy and political expression. The band, known for its punk roots and critical stance towards the Trump administration, found itself caught in a situation that has left members feeling disillusioned with their relationship to the country they attempted to enter.
According to Gibbs’s Facebook post on March 19, 2025, he, guitarist Marc Carrey, and drummer Stefan Häublein were detained by immigration officers while vocalist Charlie Harper was granted entry to Los Angeles. This led to Harper performing at the LA Punk Invasion 2025 with a group of stand-in musicians, putting the rest of the band on the sidelines.
The trouble began when Gibbs, arriving at LAX with his partner Roz, was flagged for questioning at immigration. He later learned that he had supposedly presented an incorrect visa and that there was also an undisclosed issue cited by authorities. In his post, Gibbs pondered whether his public criticism of President Trump might have contributed to the authorities’ decision: “I’m now wondering if my regular and less than flattering public pronouncements regarding their president and his administration were a factor; or maybe that’s just me succumbing to paranoia.”
Upon further questioning, Gibbs was escorted to a cold holding area in the airport, where he discovered both Carrey and Häublein already waiting. In an astonishing turn of events, Gibbs reported that officers confiscated his passport, phone, and luggage as they processed him with rigidity. After hours of questioning, Gibbs awaited further developments from officials and finally underwent a second interview at 4:00 a.m., approximately nine hours after his arrival.
Despite the discomfort and stress of the situation, Gibbs remained philosophical about the ordeal. "Although not being something I’d want to replicate, it was actually an educational experience. I’m kind of proud of myself for being thrown out of America at the age of 67, now knowing that my relationship with that country is over for the foreseeable future,” he concluded, sharing a mix of disappointment and acceptance of his circumstances.
Gibbs’s waiting time stretched to an exhausting 25 hours, during which he was left with only a pot noodle and a couple of cups of tea for sustenance. Meanwhile, his partner endured a long, anxious wait in the terminal until they were finally reunited. “Although I’m relieved Charlie managed to play the show, I feel really sad that the true UK Subs were unable to provide the performance and the diverse set we’d prepared,” Gibbs expressed.
The adverse immigration experience for UK Subs also comes alongside reports of increasing scrutiny around political discourse and immigration policy. Earlier in March, a researcher from France was denied entry into the United States and deported after texts criticizing Trump's science policy were discovered on his phone. This has raised significant concerns regarding the implications of political expression and immigration enforcement, especially for those on the international front lines.
Fans and fellow musicians alike have expressed outrage over the UK Subs' predicament, illustrating broader frustrations with the current immigration climate in the United States. With artists frequently vocal about political issues, this event brings to light the potential repercussions of free speech for musicians and the arts community.
As the story continues to unfold, the experiences of the UK Subs raise critical questions about advocacy in the arts, political dissent, and the evolving landscape of immigration policies that may be affecting artists’ ability to reach their audiences. Gibbs’ experience serves as both a personal account and a poignant reminder of the unpredictable impacts stemming from current political climates, and the ways in which they affect cultural exchange.
The band UK Subs, known for their pioneering role in British punk rock, have been openly critical of Donald Trump during their performances, and this incident has amplified discussions around how political viewpoints can influence immigration decisions in modern America. As the band navigates these challenges, their story resonates not just with punk fans but with many who advocate for free expression across various creative fields.
In today’s polarized environment, where artistic voices are increasingly at risk, the UK Subs’ experience serves as a call to action for both the music industry and society at large to reflect on the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Artists must remain undeterred in their pursuit of truth, creativity, and connection within the global community, regardless of the geopolitical landscapes that may seek to hinder their journeys.
