SXSW to remove immigration warnings from festival contract

The South by Southwest festival will remove language from contracts that had warned bands and performers that U.S. immigration agents could be notified over serious contract violations. (Photo: SXSW/Facebook)

AUSTIN, Texas — The South by Southwest festival will remove language from contracts that had warned bands and performers that U.S. immigration agents could be notified over serious contract violations.

SXSW announced the changes Tuesday ahead of the massive music, film and technology showcase starting later this week. It comes after a New York-based musician announced he was pulling out of the festival over immigration language in his contract.

Word of the contract language caused swift reaction on social media and comes amid heightened fears of immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump.

SXSW organizers have said the clause about notifying “appropriate U.S. immigration authorities” had been a safeguard in case artists did something truly egregious, like starting a brawl or causing safety issues.

SXSW says the language will be removed starting in 2018.