Venezuelan singer Mr. Brian detained by ICE

Venezuelan reggaeton pioneer Mr. Brian, born Rafael, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to reports from his family on social media. While specific details regarding the circumstances, timing, or location of his arrest have not been officially released by U.S. authorities, his relatives have issued pleas for assistance to secure his release so he can reunite with his minor children.

Mr. Brian rose to prominence in Venezuela during the 2000s with hits such as ‘Ando Buscando’ and ‘Bandereando.’ His musical journey involved transitioning from hip hop and rap to urban rhythms. After facing economic and political challenges in Venezuela, he migrated through Colombia and Ecuador before traveling through the Darien Gap to reach the United States. He had previously shared that he had applied for asylum upon arriving in the U.S.