South Korean-born violinist John Shin was arrested Aug. 18 in a hotel parking lot in Colorado and is being held at the Denver Contract Detention Facility in Aurora, Colo., by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Department of Homeland Security officials said he overstayed his visa and had a 2019 DUI conviction. Shin has performed with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West. His attorney, Adam Crayk, reported the arrest as abrupt. Local musicians have staged performances and protests at the Utah State Capitol and organized online to demand his return. His wife described his phone call at arrest and vowed to bring him home.
John Shin is a longtime member of the local Salt Lake City music community,
His many contributions as a violinist have included some performances with our orchestra through the years, and our hearts go out to him and his family.
I am calling upon all string players in Salt Lake City to unite in support of our fellow musician John Shin, who has been detained by ICE,
'Honey, I don't have much time. I've been arrested by ICE and they are sending me to a detainment center. I love you and the kids, I will be okay, please call our attorney,'
John is not a criminal, he is an amazing husband, father, and person, and I will do whatever it takes to bring him back home.
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