Cuban reggaeton artist Abel Díaz Rodríguez, widely recognized by his stage name El Chulo, was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on January 22.
According to the agency's official site, the artist's name is listed as detained. This information was later confirmed by journalist Mario J. Pentón, who clarified that sources close to the musician indicated the arrest stemmed from an old outstanding deportation order.
As of now, further details about the arrest circumstances or the location where the "Malianteo" and "La Habana me llama" singer is being held have not been disclosed.
Just hours before his arrest, El Chulo posted an image on his Instagram stories that caught the attention of his fans. The post featured a Florida Lottery ticket with the comment: "This shit is a scam, I've never even won 10 lousy bucks." This was his last post before news of his arrest broke.
The musician had previously encountered a similar situation in 2018 when he was detained by ICE after attending an immigration appointment in Miami-Dade County. At that time, he was later released under supervision.
El Chulo, a prominent figure in the Cuban urban music scene with a significant presence in Miami, has actively combined his musical career with commentary on Cuba's political situation and the experiences of Cubans living in exile.
El Chulo's ICE Arrest: Key Questions Answered
Why was El Chulo arrested by ICE?
El Chulo was arrested due to an old outstanding deportation order, as confirmed by sources close to the musician.
What was El Chulo's last social media post before his arrest?
Before his arrest, El Chulo shared an Instagram story featuring a Florida Lottery ticket, expressing his frustration by stating it was a scam and that he never won anything.
Has El Chulo been arrested by ICE before?
Yes, El Chulo faced a similar situation in 2018 when he was detained by ICE but was later released under supervision.