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Pritesh Walia released after 14 days in ICE custody
The jazz guitarist said supporters helped him hold on to hope during his detention and vowed to return to music.
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Malvika Choudhary - Mon, 17, Aug 2026
- 18:07 EDT
- 32
Pritesh Walia / priteshwaliamusic.com
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released on bond after spending 14 days in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.
Walia announced his release Aug. 17, saying he was back home with his family but still faces an ongoing immigration case.
Also Read: Indian musician Pritesh Walia detained by ICE
“I’m home,” Walia wrote in an Instagram post, describing the 14 days as a period that “changed me forever.” He thanked his family, girlfriend, lawyer and supporters, particularly members of the jazz and wider music communities who rallied around him during his detention.
In a video posted after his release, Walia described the period in detention as “the hardest days” of his life.
“There were moments where I felt scared, hopeless, and completely broken,” he said, describing the feeling of being separated from his loved ones and watching his family go through the ordeal.
“Today I was granted bond, and I’m finally home,” Walia said. He thanked the judge for giving him the opportunity to return home and his attorney, Stacey, whom he credited with “fighting relentlessly” for him.
Walia was detained by ICE on Aug. 2 after returning to Los Angeles, according to a statement posted on Instagram by a friend identified as Liza. He was subsequently transferred to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. The statement said his phone and other personal belongings were taken when he was detained.
Reports have linked Walia’s immigration case to an alleged visa overstay. Walia has not publicly detailed the underlying allegations in his latest statement. His release on bond does not mark the end of his immigration proceedings.
“This isn’t the end of my immigration journey, and there’s still a road ahead,” Walia said. “I have a lot of fighting to do.”
During his detention, members of the jazz and music communities rallied behind him. Walia thanked musicians around the world, as well as his students, friends, colleagues and people he had never met, for sharing his story, contacting his family and offering support.
“When you’re sitting in a detention facility, the world feels very small, and it’s very easy to lose hope,” Walia said. He said messages from supporters gave him something to hold on to and reminded him that “kindness is still real” and “community is real.”
“Music is so much bigger than notes and the concerts,” Walia said. “It’s people. It’s family.”
The New Delhi native has studied at Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory and has performed and taught internationally. He has also been recognized in the Boston music community, including a nomination for Jazz Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards.
Following his release, Walia said he plans to spend the next few days with his loved ones while he recovers from the experience.
He also reassured supporters that he plans to return to music.
“I’ll be back making music soon, don’t worry,” Walia said. “And when I do, I promise I’ll never forget what this community did for me.”
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