# The Venezuelans nominated for a Latin Grammy who drove across the country to avoid ICE

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-venezuelans-nominated-for-a-latin-grammy-who-drove-across-the-country-to-avoid-ice/
- Published: 2026-11-12T11:36:41+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T13:52:24+00:00
- Original publisher: El País (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://english.elpais.com/culture/2026-11-12/the-venezuelans-nominated-for-a-latin-grammy-who-drove-across-the-country-to-avoid-ice.html
- Topics: Entertainment, Music, World

## Key points

- Three Venezuelan artists drove to Las Vegas for their first Latin Grammy nomination.
- They chose the road to reduce the risk of another ICE encounter.
- Their nominated track was inspired by motorcycle delivery work.

## Summary

Three Venezuelan musicians nominated for a Latin Grammy drove from Miami to Las Vegas, choosing a cross-country journey because they feared another encounter with US immigration authorities. The trip reflects how their rising musical profile coexists with insecure immigration status and everyday work to make ends meet.

Isaac Sosa, Dante Escobar and Jack Oliveros formed Funky Du Sou Pai after meeting in Miami; their track “Motopirueta”, inspired by delivery work, earned them a nomination for Best Electronic Music Performance. Escobar was detained by Border Patrol in June despite having a pending asylum case, then released on a $7,500 bond and an electronic ankle monitor. After completing the required 90 days, the monitor was removed, allowing him to travel; the group raised money for the trip while continuing to work and make music.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.