Cuban percussionist Degnis Bofill, who has been honored with a Latin Grammy, has been released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as reported by journalist Mailyin Legañoa from Telemundo 51 on Thursday.
"Breaking news, ICE has released Cuban musician Dennis Bofill, a Latin Grammy winner. He informed me this morning, and I spoke with him through his Instagram account, where he expressed gratitude for the coverage we provided at Telemundo 51 about his situation," Legañoa stated.
The journalist did not disclose additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding Bofill's release. Up to the time of this report, Bofill has not publicly commented on his release through his social media channels.
First Response: Solidarity with Another Detained Musician
Although Bofill has not made any statements about his own release, his Instagram stories highlight his initial reaction: he has shared a GoFundMe campaign aimed at freeing Cuban pianist Andy García Palacios of the Miami-based group Los Hermanos García, who remains in ICE custody.
The campaign was still short of its $18,980 goal at the time Bofill shared it.
García Palacios was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport on August 15, just days before Bofill's arrest. ICE claims that García Palacios' authorization to stay in the U.S. expired on May 27, 2024.
Both incidents have sparked a wave of solidarity within the Cuban and Latino communities, with prominent figures like legendary pianist Chucho Valdés publicly expressing concern.
Impact on the Musical Community
Bofill was arrested by ICE agents on August 19 at Miami International Airport upon his return from New York, where he participated in the Latin Alternative Music Conference and performed at the Pocket Jazz Club in Midtown Manhattan.
According to ICE, Bofill legally entered the U.S. on April 15, 2023, but allegedly violated the terms of his admission. However, his attorney, referred to as González in Telemundo 51's coverage, provided a different account: Bofill entered with a J-1 visa and had applied for political asylum before its expiration.
"With a pending asylum process, there should be no issues," the lawyer argued, adding that a J-1 visa typically requires a two-year departure unless a waiver is obtained through a resident spouse or for political reasons. Bofill is married to Mara Delgado, a U.S. resident.
Following his arrest, Bofill spent several days in ICE facilities in Miramar before being transferred to the Krome North Processing Center in Miami-Dade.
The Campaign That Garnered Massive Support
During Bofill's detention, his wife organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal expenses, raising over $51,700 from more than 600 donors.
"Degnis is not only my partner, my pillar, and my support. He is also a beloved member of Miami's musical community: an educator, founder of Golpes Libres, and one of the leading percussionists of his generation," Delgado wrote in the campaign.
Born in Manzanillo in 1987, Bofill won the Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Folk Album for his contribution to "Ancestros Sinfónico" by Síntesis, X Alfonso, and Eme Alfonso. He has over 28 recorded albums to his name.
Bofill's arrest occurred amidst a surge in immigration enforcement under the Trump administration: according to the Cato Institute, ICE arrests of Cubans increased by 463% between late 2024 and early 2026, with over 42,000 Cubans facing final deportation orders in the U.S.
The case of Degnis Bofill is one among many involving Cubans navigating immigration processes in the United States. Keep up with all developments in our U.S. Immigration section.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Musicians and ICE Detentions
Why was Degnis Bofill detained by ICE?
Degnis Bofill was detained by ICE for allegedly violating the terms of his J-1 visa admission. However, his attorney argues that Bofill applied for political asylum before his visa expired, which should have prevented any issues.
How did the community respond to Bofill's arrest?
Bofill's arrest prompted a strong response from the Cuban and Latino communities, including a successful GoFundMe campaign for his legal expenses and public expressions of concern from notable figures like Chucho Valdés.
What did Bofill do after his release?
After his release, Bofill showed solidarity with detained pianist Andy García Palacios by sharing a GoFundMe campaign aimed at securing García Palacios' release from ICE custody.