U.S. Immigration crackdown poses a threat to concerts in Caribbean diaspora cities according to Adam Gross, President of Ineffable Records, the second largest reggae record label and concert promoters in the U.S.
Gross voiced strong opposition to the recent immigration policies enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting their potential impact on reggae concerts and the Caribbean music scene in the United States.
“I completely disagree with the new ICE policies, the push to remove birthright citizenship, and the idea of not providing pathways to citizenship to people who have been following the law of the land,” Gross told World Music Views. His comments come amid heightened immigration enforcement as ordered by President Trump that has led to increased deportations and a climate of fear among immigrant communities.
Internal ICE data obtained by Fox News reveals that as of late November, over 1.4 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. have final deportation orders but remain in the country and are not in ICE custody including 5120 Jamaicans. Haiti accounts for another 32,363, while Venezuela has 22,749 on the list. The largest group comes from Reggaeton and latin music market listeners in the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala) and Mexico. These citizens are expected to be the primary focus for deportations, particularly violent criminals and public safety threats.
Additionally, the report identifies “recalcitrant” countries—those refusing to accept deported citizens—including China, Iran, India, Venezuela, and Russia. ICE also outlines the logistical and diplomatic challenge
s preventing the removal of all ordered deportees. In November, White House “border czar” Tom Homan announced, “The priorities [for removal] will focus on public safety threats, national security threats and fugitives,” as well as those who “got due process at great taxpayer expense and the federal judge ordered them removed, but they didn’t leave, and they became a fugitive.”
Fear and panic have spread among undocumented immigrants from the Latin American and Caribbean communities in cities like New York, Miami and Chicago following the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Many migrants, some who have been in the U.S. for 30 years, now avoid public places and limit outings due to fears of ICE raids. With each ICE precinct ordered to make 75 arrests daily, over 3,500 people have already been detained in the first week.
Gross criticized the broader narrative surrounding undocumented immigrants, noting that “the portrayal of all undocumented people as criminals is dangerous and has been used for centuries throughout the world to drive minority populations out.” His remarks point to the historical use of fear-mongering tactics to marginalize and expel minority groups.
Reggae music, deeply rooted in the Caribbean had one of its most successful touring years in 2024 with Buju Banton setting new record for the genre with shows in New York, Florida and Atlanta where the majority of the patrons were Caribbean immigrants. Gross pointed out that many of these fans may now hesitate to attend live music events due to the risk of ICE raids. “It is plausible to assume that major tours that attract mainly people from the Caribbean population, such as Buju Banton shows, would be affected,” he explained.
ICE conducted raids in New Ark New Jersey last Thursday without warrants and in the Bronx early Tuesday morning, arresting at least one undocumented individual wanted for serious crimes. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was present, highlighting the Trump administration’s push for visible deportations. She tweeted, “7 AM in NYC. Getting the dirt bags off the streets.”
New Ark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said in a statement that the city will not “stand idly by and watch while people are being terrorized.”
Local business owners and residents expressed surprise, noting crime is a concern but immigration raids are uncommon. Mayor Eric Adams stated the NYPD supported federal agencies in targeting violent criminals. Immigration advocates criticized the raids as fear tactics, while undocumented families voiced anxiety over deportations and public perception.
The potential for large-scale immigration enforcement actions at concerts and festivals could lead to decreased attendance and financial losses for artists and promoters. Among the hot ticket Caribbean diaspora shows set toke place this year are Best Of the Best Miami, headlined by Buju Banton and Beres Hammond Memorial Day weekend. Hammond will also headline UBS Arena along with Shaggy and Sean Paul on February 14. UBS Arena located in Queens New York will also host Aidonia’s 20th anniversary show featuring Mavado, Spragga Benz and more.
According to Gross, the repercussions extend beyond deportation fears. “Not only because some may be deported, but also because many will be fearful to be in public settings where ICE can raid.
One Chicago pastor, Marvin del Ríos of Starting Point Baptist Church, which shelters 17 undocumented migrants, vows to only allow ICE agents in with a court order. His church provides housing and legal assistance, with volunteers helping migrants apply for asylum. Many migrants support deporting criminals but fear ICE’s broad sweeps, which often target nonviolent individuals through racial profiling. Despite the crackdown, migrants are holding onto their rights and seeking legal protection.
