In August 2025, Korean-born violinist John Shin was detained by ICE while on a work assignment in Colorado, despite decades of life and artistic work in Utah. His case sparked an unprecedented mobilization from Utah’s music community, exposing how aggressive immigration enforcement can abruptly disrupt the lives and livelihoods of non-citizen artists
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I work carefully and imperceptibly below the surface when it comes to freedom of artistic expression. Deep down I stand by those who want to break it but remind them of realities above the surface. At the same time, the water becomes shallower. This is my duty as a producer.
(Faisal Kiwewa, Bayimba, Uganda.)
