The Cuban pianist Andy García Palacios shared a message on Instagram on Friday, hours after being released on bail. The young man had been detained for nearly a month at the Adelanto Immigration Processing Center in California, following his arrest by agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The musician expressed happiness and optimism, and thanked those who supported him during his detention, but warned that his immigration situation is not resolved.
«The process is not over yet and it continues its course, but today I can thank that I am home, with my family and loved ones, and that I can continue what comes from here.»
"Family, there are not enough words to express my gratitude for all the love and support I received during these days," wrote García Palacios, who extended his thanks to friends, colleagues, and strangers alike.
"Thanks to so many people who, even without knowing me personally, decided to stand by me and give me strength in such a moment," expressed the young Cuban.
The pianist especially acknowledged the efforts of the lawyers who defended his case. "Thanks also to my entire legal team for their work, dedication, and commitment throughout this process."
The statement concluded with a phrase that encapsulated the tone of the entire message: "Thank you for not leaving us alone. Thank you for being here. Thank you, from the heart."
El caso de Andy García Palacios es solo uno de los muchos que afectan a cubanos en Estados Unidos. Sigue todos los detalles sobre arrestos, deportaciones y procesos migratorios en nuestra sección de
Why was Andy García Palacios arrested?
García Palacios was arrested on August 15 at Los Angeles International Airport while returning from an artistic performance.
ICE argued that its authorization to remain in the United States had expired on May 27, 2024, and that it is facing a removal process.
His defense, led by attorney Avelino González, argued that the musician entered the country legally, had no criminal record, and had a pending political asylum application awaiting resolution.
The release was confirmed by González to journalist Maylin Legañoa from Telemundo 51, who stated, "With this release, the two Cuban musicians who had been detained by ICE agents are now out on bail, awaiting their immigration proceedings."
The second musician referred to by Legañoa is the percussionist Degnis Bofill, a Latin Grammy winner, arrested on August 19 at Miami Airport and released on September 3 after more than two weeks at the Krome North Processing Center.
During the detention of García Palacios, his brother Yandy García —with whom he forms the duo García Brothers— organized a GoFundMe campaign from Miami with a goal of 45,000 dollars to cover legal expenses, which by August 21 had already raised over 40,000 dollars from nearly 600 donors.
The comedian Carnota and the singer Diana Fuentes also publicly joined the call for solidarity. The legendary pianist Chucho Valdés publicly mourned the detention of García Palacios on August 23 and described him as "the best pianist of the new Cuban generation."
The cases of these two Cuban musicians are part of an unprecedented tightening of U.S. immigration policy.
According to data from the Cato Institute cited in April 2026, the detentions of Cubans by ICE increased by 463% between late 2024 and early 2026, and over 42,000 Cubans have pending final deportation orders.
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