18 August,2026 09:14 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pritesh Walia (Pictures via Instagram)
Indian jazz musician and guitarist Pritesh Walia has been released on bond after spending 14 days in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Walia, who was detained after returning to Los Angeles earlier this month, announced his release in an emotional video message, describing his time in detention as one of the most difficult experiences of his life. His immigration case, however, is still ongoing.
Walia was taken into ICE custody on August 2 after returning to Los Angeles and was later transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. At the time of his detention, his personal belongings, including his phone, were taken away. His family, friends and legal team subsequently worked to secure his release.
While the initial reports did not provide details about the circumstances surrounding his detention, an ICE spokesperson later said Walia had been arrested for allegedly failing to meet the requirements of his nonimmigrant status. Reports have stated that he had entered the US on an artist visa. Walia himself has not publicly disclosed the full details of his immigration status.
Following his release, Walia opened up about the emotional toll of being in detention. He said the 14 days had left him scared, hopeless and, at times, completely broken. He also reflected on how isolation changed his perception of the world.
"When you are sitting in a detention facility, the world feels very small," Walia said, adding that it was easy to lose hope. He credited the people who rallied around him for helping him get through the ordeal. Messages from his family, girlfriend, lawyer and members of the jazz and music community reminded him that people were fighting for him.
In a social media post, Walia expressed gratitude to those who supported him, saying the love he received from the music community restored his faith in humanity. He said he planned to take a few days to heal, breathe and spend time with his loved ones.
Walia's release comes at a significant point in his musical career. Born in New Delhi, he moved to the United States to pursue his education in music and studied at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles, Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory. He has since established himself as a guitarist, composer, educator and bandleader in the American jazz scene.
His latest project, Journey to Nowhere, was released around the time of his detention and features a 27-piece ensemble. Despite being back home, Walia has stressed that his immigration journey is not over and that there is still a legal road ahead.
