Arts office urges support for artist Nando Rocha after detention; committee member raises concern about ICE risk

Near the end of the Aug. 1 committee meeting the chair read a letter from Seattle's Office of Arts & Culture supporting theater artist Nando Rocha. The letter, sent by Director Khayyam, said Rocha was scheduled to begin rehearsals for a play funded by the office's city artist grant but was detained at the Tacoma Detention Center and has since been released on bond. The chair said Rocha remains at risk of action by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The Office of Arts & Culture's letter described Rocha as a published author, a teacher at Juanita High School and a mentor to young people, and said he is legally present in the United States with a valid work permit through 2030 and an active asylum case. The chair read an excerpt: “Mister Rocha is a beloved teacher at Juanita High School and dedicated mentor to countless young people. He’s legally present in The United States with a valid work permit through 2030 and an active case for asylum.”

Why it matters: committee members said the letter was raised to provide committee visibility and express concern for a local artist with ties to Seattle's arts and education communities. The chair noted the case has broader community interest in part because of Rocha's connections to the Eastside and Seattle.

Ending: Committee members thanked the chair for raising the matter and for sharing the arts office letter. No formal action was taken; the item was shared as an informational update.