"On Dec. 4, 2025, Oliveira, while seeking asylum in the U.S., was leaving a scheduled immigration appointment in San Francisco when he was detained by ICE agents and subsequently incarcerated. Oliveira, who plays percussion with Audiopharmacy, as well as the Bay Area Brazilian bands Batuki and Namorados Da Lua (NDL), has reportedly been offered documents to self-deport, but isn't signing."
"The jam session and open mic will also honor the start of the Lunar New Year. jo love/speak cruz says they'll celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse by gifting traditional red envelopes to attendees - as well as offering free boxing lessons from Jean "Jxtheo" Teodoro, owner of Bayanihan Boxing to ensure the community is artistically, politically and physically empowered."
"The Year of the Fire Horse brings a "really bold, passionate, and purposeful energy," jo love/speak cruz attests, adding that it's important to harness this energy in a benevolent manner. "Beyond the individual," she says, "it's meant to really move the collective." With that in mind, Audiopharmacy will combine music and fresh Nepali cuisine with collective meditation and the intentional usage of certain colors."
Audiopharmacy opened a new space called BAMBU Pharm and launched activations including BAMBU Sessions to mark the occasion. On Dec. 4, 2025, percussionist Oliveira was detained by ICE after an immigration appointment while seeking asylum and faces pressure to self-deport; Oliveira has declined the offer. Audiopharmacy is raising funds for Oliveira's legal representation, framed by cofounder jo love/speak cruz as "radical joy" and "substantive work that supports our people." The ensemble will host a jam session and open mic honoring the Lunar New Year, offer red envelopes, free boxing lessons, Nepali cuisine, collective meditation, and intentional color usage to strengthen collective empowerment.
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