Latin Grammy-winning Cuban percussionist detained by ICE at Miami airport
Aug 21, 2026·Location: Miami, FL
Country of origin: Cuba

Degnis Nelson Bofill Miranda, a 39-year-old Cuban-born percussionist, composer, and founder of the group Golpes Libres, was detained by ICE agents at Miami International Airport on August 19 immediately after returning from performances and a music conference in New York. He entered the U.S. legally in April 2023 through a State Department-backed music exchange visa program and has a pending asylum petition that had not yet reached its initial interview stage. His wife, Mara Delgado, said agents were waiting for him at the arrival gate and that he was initially not listed in ICE's detainee locator, complicating efforts to secure legal representation, before he was moved to the Krome North Service Processing Center. ICE said he had not complied with the terms of his 2023 admission but would receive due process, while Delgado said she fears he will be deported to Cuba and separated from her. Delgado described him as a beloved figure in Miami's Cuban music community who teaches local workshops, and fellow musicians publicly voiced support for him. A GoFundMe campaign for his legal defense raised more than $45,000 from over 500 donors within two days.
Timeline
Sources
- 'They Were Waiting for Him': Latin Grammy Winner Detained by ICE After Landing in Miami From New York Concert
ibtimes.co.uk·Aug 29, 2026·archived copy
- Percussionist's Wife Seeks Community Support as Musician Held in ICE Detention
cubaheadlines.com·Aug 22, 2026·archived copy
- "We need all the support": Percussionist
en.cibercuba.com·Aug 23, 2026
- Percusionista cubano Degnis Bofill, ganador de un Latin Grammy, también detenido por ICE | Cuba Noticias 360
cubanoticias360.com·Aug 23, 2026
- Latin Grammy-winning Cuban musician detained by ICE
miaminewtimes.com·Aug 24, 2026
- Latin Grammy-Winning Cuban Musician Degnis Bofill Detained by ICE at Miami Airport
latintimes.com·Aug 25, 2026
- ICE explains why it is holding Cuban musician and Latin Grammy winner Degnis Bofill in detention
en.cibercuba.com·Aug 25, 2026
- ICE arrests Cuban Latin Grammy-winning musician upon arrival in Miami
heraldousa.com·2026-8-31T14:12:00-06:00
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