Detained Musician? $72K Raised! Will You Help? | JQJO

Utah-based violinist Donggin Shin, known as John, was arrested by ICE in Colorado for overstaying his visa and a 2019 DUI conviction. Shin, who has performed with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West, was detained at the Denver Contract Detention Facility. The music community is protesting his detention, organizing performances and fundraising to cover his legal fees. His wife, DaNae, started a GoFundMe that raised over $72,000. The Department of Homeland Security cited his criminal history as the reason for his arrest, despite his past DACA status, which was revoked due to the DUI conviction. Shin's case highlights the impact of immigration policies on artists and the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement.