SALT LAKE CITY – Federal immigration officials are targeting John Shin, a violinist from South Korea, in what supporters call a profound misuse of resources.
Musician’s Detention Sparks Outcry
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Supporters decry the detention of a respected violinist as an “egregious waste of federal resources.”
Shin, who holds a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Utah and has played with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West, has lived in Utah for years. He is currently being held in a federal immigration detention center in Aurora, Colorado.
“That is just way too much for somebody who gives so much to this community and to this society,” said Gabriel Gordon, a fellow violinist and longtime friend of Shin. “He’s a great father and a great husband and a great friend and a great musician, and this just shouldn’t be happening to him.”
shin’s Salt Lake City lawyer, Adam Crayk, and friend, Danae Fullmer, spoke at a press conference at the Capitol rotunda to raise awareness. “He is a wonderful person. He is good for the community. He is a positive influence on everyone he touches. He absolutely does not deserve to be deported,” Fullmer stated.
the core issue: Is John Shin, a violinist married to a U.S. citizen, being unfairly targeted by federal immigration enforcement?
clash of Narratives on Immigration Status
Gordon noted that Shin entered the U.S. on an immigrant visa and later gained status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Though, a senior U.S. Department of Homeland Security official stated that Shin arrived from South Korea in 1998 on a tourist visa, which required departure the following year.
“Over 25 years later, he was still illegally in the U.S.,” the official said, adding that the governance is committed to visa program integrity. “Our message is clear: Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States.”
While the administration’s stance has support, Shin’s advocates remain firm. the case highlights the deep divisions on immigration policy.
Community Rallies for Support
Supporters have raised nearly $70,000 for Shin’s legal defense. A benefit concert is scheduled for Monday, September 1.
The case also raises questions about how minor legal issues impact immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security cited Shin’s “criminal history” including a DUI conviction.
Crayk clarified that a 2019 charge, initially driving under the influence, was reduced to driving while impaired, a class B misdemeanor. “We just have to prove he entered the United States lawfully and that he is legitimately married to a United States citizen,” Crayk said.
He criticized the resources used for Shin’s detention, noting he was held by a special Homeland security team usually focused on fugitives involved in serious crimes. Shin’s hearing next tuesday will seek his release on bond.
Shin is reportedly maintaining a positive attitude, speaking with his wife by phone.The music community is mobilizing, with a letter-writing campaign to the immigration judge and the upcoming benefit concert at First United Methodist Church at 203 S. 200 East in Salt Lake City, featuring musicians and Grammy-nominated Kurt Bestor at 7 p.m.
“John is probably one of the kindest people I know. He’s just always very positive and upbeat,” said Fullmer. “There has been a huge outpouring of people, both who know him and/or know Danae and people who even don’t necessarily know them personally but have worked with them.”
gordon concluded, “There are actual problems here in this country that need to be solved. John and people like him are not one of them, that’s for sure. They add to our country, and they add to our society and they should stay.”
