On February 10, 2025, the brother of a close musical colleague was arrested by ICE in Portland, Maine, and is being detained without clear cause.

G., who has no criminal background and is in the US legally, was arrested by ICE and FBI agents in front of the family home. His sister, C.--longtime trusted personal friend, colleague, and music student of mine--witnessed everything and has not slept since. G.'s mug shot and name were published alongside others detained by ICE as a potential illegal immigrant, despite his lawfully documented pending asylum case. He is currently being held at Cumberland County Jail.

G. & C. are both in the country legally, under asylum laws, have carefully followed a closely monitored legal process to obtain papers allowing them to stay in the US lawfully until their asylum case is heard. They have work permits, social security numbers, jobs, dependent family overseas, and they pay their taxes.

The family has retained a lawyer and are working to resolve this issue, but do not have the funds to cover associated costs.

Costs associated with this situation are $6K for legal representation, and $6K to cover bills and other family costs associated with this wrongful detention. The fundraising amount will be updated as other issues such as potential bail and further legal bills come to light.

As a socially-minded artist, I have been working for ten years to spread free musical engagement to recent immigrants, through instruments, instruction, performance opportunity, and community, in particular people seeking asylum. I get to know people well.

This is the first time I have been called to help out with a situation like this, and I do so without hesitation. These are good people.

Any amount you are able to offer is humbly welcomed by the family during this difficult time. Thank you in advance for shares, likes, prayers, thoughts, and, of course, donations.