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Utah Musicians Rally for Violinist Detained by ICE
Members of Utah’s music community are rallying behind Donggin “John” Shin, a violinist detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 18th. Shin, 37, was arrested in a Colorado hotel parking lot while on a work trip.
Shin, who came to the U.S. from South Korea with his father at age 10, has been a prominent member of the local music scene, playing with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West while working a day job in telecommunications. He is currently being held at the Denver Contract Detention Facility, over 500 miles from his Utah home.
ICE’s Fugitive Operations Team, typically focused on apprehending individuals deemed threats to national security, arrested Shin for a past misdemeanor DUI. The incident occurred, according to Shin’s attorney Adam Crayk, during a difficult period when Shin was coping with his father’s battle with brain cancer. Crayk criticized the agency’s involvement, stating, “We are literally having fugitive ops and Homeland Security Investigations…relegated now to looking for people like John.”
A senior DHS official confirmed Shin’s DUI conviction and stated that he overstayed a tourist visa issued in 1998. However, Crayk clarified that Shin’s father later obtained a student visa, covering Shin as a dependent.
Shin later became a DACA recipient but lost that status following the 2020 DUI. He pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor, completed probation, and the matter was considered resolved.
Shin’s wife, DaNae, described the distressing phone call she received from her husband on her birthday informing her of his arrest. She emphasized Shin’s character, stating, “John is not a criminal, he is an amazing husband, father, and person.” While Shin is eligible for a green card, Crayk explained that financial hardships following his father’s death and his wife’s job loss prevented them from affording the fees.
Fellow musicians are rallying to support Shin. Violinist and conductor Gabriel Gordon, who has known Shin for nearly a decade, described him as a “top-shelf violinist” who “brings his soul” to his music. Gordon and other musicians have been performing daily at the state Capitol to raise awareness of Shin’s situation.
Robert Baldwin, director of orchestras at the University of Utah, where Shin studied, expressed shock and anger at the news. He recalled Shin’s dedication and growth as a musician, rising from a student with raw talent to concertmaster of the university orchestra. Baldwin also highlighted Shin’s inclusive leadership and support of fellow students.
The musicians hope their performances will demonstrate Shin’s value to the community and underscore their belief that “He absolutely belongs here.”