Katayanagi Twins Denied Entry to US Before Scheduled Performance

The Auckland-based DJ duo, the Katayanagi Twins, were reportedly denied entry into the United States while traveling to perform at a cultural festival. Following their performance at the renowned Glastonbury Festival in the United Kingdom earlier this year, Rain and China Katayanagi aimed to continue their journey in Los Angeles, but their plans took an unexpected turn.

In a social media post, Rain Katayanagi shared their experience, stating they were “flying to LA to chase Summer.” However, shortly after, she revealed that the U.S. authorities had denied them entry, resulting in their being placed on a one-way flight back to New Zealand. The post included a video that depicted their flight, ending with footage of one of the twins visibly upset as the plane ascended.

The reason for the denial remains unclear. The duo was scheduled to perform at Polyfest, a significant Pacific cultural festival held in Washington. This incident has drawn attention not only for its impact on the twins but also for broader immigration issues faced by others.

General Fiyah, a fellow performer at Polyfest, expressed his disappointment in a social media update, apologizing to fans for his inability to attend the event. “I am really sorry to let you all know that I won’t be able to make the performance tonight,” he stated. “I was detained and sent back to New Zealand, which means I can’t be there to share this moment with you.”

This event follows a troubling incident earlier this month, when Sarah Shaw, a New Zealand mother, was detained with her six-year-old son in an immigration facility in Texas. After a brief period, they were safely returned to their home in Washington State. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding immigration policies and their enforcement.

As the Katayanagi Twins navigate this unexpected setback, it remains to be seen how this experience will affect their future performances and international engagements. They have not yet commented further on the situation, and inquiries from Radio New Zealand (RNZ) regarding details of their denial have yet to receive a response.

In the ever-evolving landscape of global travel, the challenges faced by artists and performers in crossing borders continue to be a significant concern, impacting their ability to connect with audiences worldwide.