By East Idaho News staff | Salt Lake City (KSL.com) — That federal immigration officials are taking aim at John Shin, a violinist originally from South Korea, is a misuse of resources, Gabriel Gordon charges. “That is just way too much for somebody who gives so much to this community and to this society. 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,” said Gordon, a fellow violinist.
Shin, who has a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Utah and has performed with the Utah Symphony and Ballet West, has long lived in Utah. He now finds himself in a federal immigration detention center in Aurora, Colorado.
Shin’s Salt Lake City lawyer, Adam Crayk, offered stronger words. A hearing in his client’s case is set for next Tuesday.
“Unless there is something out there, some sort of smoking gun that the government is hiding that’s going to be revealed in his first court (appearance), this is one of the most dumb, idiotic, egregious wastes of federal resources that I’ve had to deal with in a while,” Crayk said.
Shin legally entered the country, he noted, and has been married to an American woman for four years.
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Read more about this atrocity here:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/way-too-much-utah-violinist-s-detention-by-immigration-officials-sparks-backlash-from-backers/
The post ‘Way too much’: Utah violinist’s detention by immigration officials sparks backlash from backers appeared first on East Idaho News.
https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/08/way-too-much-utah-violinists-detention-by-immigration-officials-sparks-backlash-from-backers/
GoFundMe: Help Bring John Shin Home https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-john-shin-home
My husband, John Shin, has been detained by ICE, and our family is facing an urgent and frightening situation. John is not only a devoted husband and father, but also a talented violinist with a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Utah. He has played with the Utah Symphony, Ballet West, and in recording studios, sharing his gift with countless people. John has always worked hard to support our family and his mother, and he is deeply loved by our music community.
John’s sudden detention has left us scared and overwhelmed. We rely on him every day, and his absence has created a void that is felt by everyone who knows him. The legal process is expensive, and we need help to pay the retainer for his legal defense so that he has a fair chance to come home. Your support will help us fight for John’s release and bring him back to the life and community he cherishes.
If John is able to return home, we can continue our loving, beautiful life together and finally find relief from the fear and stress that has taken over our days. Every contribution brings us closer to reuniting our family and restoring hope. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-john-shin-home
Photo: John Shin and family | From the GoFundMe page
‘Way too much’: Utah violinist’s detention by immigration officials sparks backlash from backers
