President Barack Obama’s uncle was charged with drink driving in Massachusetts and was held by immigration officials.
Onyango Obama was arrested last week in Framingham after police said he made a rolling stop and nearly caused a cruiser to hit his SUV.
The police said that when asked if he wanted to make a phone call, Mr Obama said: “I think I will call the White House.”
A spokesman for Cleveland immigration lawyer Margaret Wong, who is representing him, confirmed that the 67-year-old is the President’s uncle.
Police say the President’s uncle is originally from Kenya and is being held without bail by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.