Cuban percussionist Degnis Bofill, a Miami resident and Latin Grammy awardee, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last Tuesday, as confirmed by his wife through a GoFundMe campaign that has already attracted over 154 donors.
Mara Delgado, who launched the fundraising effort, emphasized the urgency of the situation: "Our top priority is to secure his release. In cases like this, time is crucial. Having the right legal support and acting swiftly can make a huge difference."
By Saturday, the campaign had raised $16,470 to cover legal fees and facilitate the musician's potential release.
Delgado portrayed her husband as a cornerstone of Miami's musical community: "Degnis is not only my partner, my rock, and my support. He is also a beloved member of Miami's music scene: an educator, founder of Golpes Libres, and one of the most prominent percussionists of his generation."
She noted that his detention has abruptly halted everything he had built: "What Degnis managed to establish in the United States, both professionally and personally, has been suddenly disrupted."
Delgado also urged those unable to contribute financially to help by sharing the campaign.
Born in Manzanillo, Cuba, in 1987, Bofill has crafted an international career, collaborating with artists such as Roberto Fonseca, Arturo O'Farrill, Orlando Valle "Maraca", Brian Lynch, and Dave Weckl, with over 28 recorded albums to his name.
He received a Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Folk Album with his contribution to "Ancestros Sinfónico," and in January 2025, he joined the voting body of that same academy.
Friends and colleagues expressed concern on social media. Composer and producer Jesús Pupo, a friend of the musician, posted on Instagram that Bofill is "the second Cuban musician ICE has detained this week," referring to the case of pianist Andy García Palacios, arrested on August 15 at Los Angeles International Airport.
"It's very sad what's happening, two of my great friends, brothers, artists, great musicians, but even better people have been detained at the airport, in different airports, but have been detained by ICE because of their immigration status," Pupo stated in his video denouncement.
Bofill's detention occurs amid intensified ICE operations in Miami, where the agency processed nearly 6,000 immigrants in a single month during July 2026.
Cuban pianist Andy García has also been in ICE custody since August 15, as confirmed by his younger brother, Yandy García.
The detention of Cuban musicians by ICE has become a recurring phenomenon within the context of stricter U.S. immigration policies.
Previous cases included reggaeton artist El Chulo, arrested in January of this year with a pending deportation order since 2018, and rapper Insurrecto, detained in December 2025 following a traffic accident in Florida.
Understanding ICE Detentions of Cuban Musicians
Why was Degnis Bofill detained by ICE?
Degnis Bofill was detained by ICE due to issues related to his immigration status, as part of broader enforcement actions by the agency.
What is the current status of the GoFundMe campaign for Degnis Bofill?
As of the latest update, the GoFundMe campaign has raised $16,470 to assist with legal fees and efforts to secure Bofill's release.
How has the community reacted to Bofill's detention?
The community, including friends and colleagues, has reacted with concern and support, sharing the campaign and raising awareness on social media.