Guitarist Pritesh Walia released after 14 days in ICE custody: ‘Hardest days of my life’

Indian jazz guitarist Pritesh Walia has been released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after 14 days. Walia was detained at Los Angeles Airport on August 2 and held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. In an Instagram video, he expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and the jazz community.

Walia, born in Delhi, moved to the US to pursue music and is well-known in the US jazz scene, particularly in Boston. He was arrested for allegedly failing to meet requirements of his non-immigrant status and overstaying his temporary visa.