Mara Delgado is expressing grave concerns regarding her husband, Degnis Nelson Bofill Miranda, a Latin Grammy-winning Cuban musician detained at Miami International Airport. She fears he might face deportation and uncertainty about when they might reunite.
Bofill Miranda is recognized as a Cuban percussionist and composer. He was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on August 19 after flying in from New York. His transfer to the Krome Detention Center followed several days at the Miramar ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations office.
“I’m concerned about him getting deported, because I don’t know when I will be able to see him again,” Delgado shared.
Delgado recounted how the detainment occurred immediately after he touched down at Miami Airport. There, authorities awaited his arrival from New York.
“Awful. I started panicking, because with everything that’s been going on, I knew it’s always a possibility with us, immigrants,” she explained.
The couple’s relationship began in Cuba, leading to their marriage in 2023—the same year Bofill entered the U.S. Delgado emphasized her husband’s intent to continue his pending asylum case without detention.
ICE confirmed the arrest, noting Bofill’s legal entry into the U.S. in April 2023. However, he allegedly violated his admission terms.
“Degnis Nelson Bofill Miranda, an illegal alien from Cuba, was arrested by ICE in Miami on Aug. 19 during an immigration enforcement operation,” an ICE spokesperson stated. “He failed to comply with the terms of his admission and is now in violation of immigration law. He will receive due process.”
Bofill Miranda is known for his contribution to music. He earned a Latin Grammy in 2022 for Best Folk Album for “Ancestros Sinfónico” and has participated in the Latin Recording Academy’s voting body since January 2025.
While in federal immigration custody, Delgado describes her husband as a key figure in Miami’s music scene, now distanced from his family, community, and craft.
Delgado seeks community support through an online fundraiser to assist with legal fees and potential bond. Setting a $60,000 goal, she has seen notable backing from the South Florida area. Her primary focus is Bofill’s release as his immigration proceedings progress.
“I don’t know when I will be able to see him again,” she reiterated.