A 37-year-old Utah-based violinist, John Shin, was taken into ICE custody last week while on a work trip to Colorado, shocking his family and colleagues. Shin, who immigrated from South Korea to Utah as a child with his father, grew up in the state, attending local schools and graduating from Utah State University. Over the years, he has performed on major stages, including with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West.
Shin’s wife, Danae Snow, an American citizen, shared the emotional impact of his detention, saying she received a call from him on her birthday, Aug. 20. “That morning, he was texting me, ‘Happy birthday, I love you so much,’ and then by that afternoon, I got the phone call, ‘Honey, I’ve been detained by ICE,’” she said tearfully. Snow described Shin as a devoted father to her children and a selfless, charismatic individual. According to his attorney, Adam Crayk, Shin was taken into custody due to a 2019 DUI-related charge that was resolved in 2020, with all probation and treatment requirements completed. Despite having his license reinstated and complying fully with court orders, Shin became a priority for ICE because a past DUI affects immigration status under current policies. Crayk is seeking Shin’s release during his first court appearance next Tuesday. In support of Shin, fellow musicians have staged demonstrations at the Utah state capitol to draw attention to his case.
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