The spouse of Cuban percussionist and composer Degnis Nelson Bofill Miranda is advocating for his release after his detention at Miami International Airport. Mara Delgado expresses her concern over possible deportation fears, which could lead to an uncertain separation from her husband.

Miranda, aged 39, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 19 following a flight from New York. Subsequently, he has been housed at the Krome Detention Center in Miami-Dade County after spending time at the Miramar ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations office.

Delgado recounts the shock of her husband’s detention, highlighting immigration’s precariousness for many. “The moment he landed at Miami Airport, it felt like everything shifted,” Delgado disclosed to CBS News Miami. She initiated an online fundraiser aiming to amass $60,000 to assist with her husband’s legal and bond expenses

Delgado emphasizes the significance of her husband in the arts scene. Miranda is celebrated for winning the 2022 Latin Grammy for Best Folk Album for ‘Ancestros Sinfónico.’ In January 2025, he was integrated into the Latin Recording Academy’s voting roster. She describes him as a vital figure in Miami’s music community.

ICE confirmed the arrest, stating that Miranda had initially entered the U.S. legally in April 2023 but subsequently violated his admission terms. “Degnis Nelson Bofill Miranda’s entry was legal on April 15, 2023, yet he is now in breach of immigration law,” an ICE spokesperson affirmed.

Determined to assist her husband, Delgado has garnered backing from South Florida’s community, reflecting considerable local support for her fundraising initiative. Her primary aim is to ensure Miranda’s release while his legal case proceeds.

“Facing this situation is daunting; I’m unsure when I’ll reunite with him,” Delgado shared, underscoring the challenges faced by couples amidst immigration processes.