The detention of Hilary Rivers, a drag performer and asylum seeker from Central America, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has sparked outrage within the San Francisco LGBTQ+ community. Rivers, who had been seeking asylum based on severe persecution in her home country, was taken into custody on June 25, just days before the city’s Pride festivities. Her detention occurred at a scheduled immigration appointment, leading to immediate mobilization from local activists. The incident highlights the vulnerability of queer immigrants and has prompted a community-wide response to support Rivers’ legal efforts and protest against what they describe as a violation of sanctuary policies and due process.
