ICE detains Qva Libre guitarist Alejandro Infante, "El Pollo," in Texas

October 10, 2026

Cuban guitarist Alejandro Infante, known as "El Pollo" and a longtime member of the band Qva Libre, was detained on Wednesday, October 7, in Texas by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The band's leader, Carlos Díaz Soto, shared the news on Instagram, saying the musician remained in immigration custody.

"Everything possible is being done to make sure El Pollo comes home," Díaz said, noting that Infante has also played with artists such as El Chacal and Gente de Zona. Relatives and friends set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover his legal representation.

According to immigration adviser Giselle Paret, Infante entered the United States legally under humanitarian parole and was waiting on his application for permanent residency under the Cuban Adjustment Act. Authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the arrest, and published reports do not say where in Texas it took place or at which facility he is being held.

Infante joined Qva Libre in 2010 after studying with Díaz and arrived in the U.S. in March 2023 with singer Magui Blue, allowing the band to reunite in Miami. His case comes weeks after the detentions of pianist Andy García Palacios and Latin Grammy-winning percussionist Degnis Bofill, both of whom were released on bond in September while their immigration cases remain open.