Utah Violinist Donggin Shin Faces Crucial Deportation Hearing This Week Amid Outcry
Utah Violinist Donggin Shin Faces Crucial Deportation Hearing This Week Amid Outcry
Utah’s music community continues to rally in support of professional violinist Donggin Shin, who remains in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention ahead of a critical hearing scheduled for September 2.
Shin, known as ‘John’ to many, was abruptly arrested on August 18 in Colorado while traveling. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials cite a visa overstay dating back to 1999 and a 2019 DUI conviction as reasons for his detention. The DUI conviction, classified as a ‘significant misdemeanor,’ led to the revocation of his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, a program designed to protect eligible undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Musicians and supporters have been staging ongoing performances and protests at the Utah State Capitol, sharing their anger and concern across social media platforms. Shin’s wife, DaNae Shin, launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover legal fees, which has garnered significant support. She passionately advocates for her husband, stating, “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.”
Shin, 37, came to the U.S. from South Korea as a child. His attorney, Adam Crayk, is working to navigate the complex immigration proceedings as the community hopes for a favorable outcome in his upcoming hearing.
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