Official City Statement: Detention of West Hollywood Resident by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The City of West Hollywood strongly condemns the detention of West Hollywood resident Alex Pereira-Alves by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The City calls on ICE to halt any removal of Mr. Pereira-Alves while his legal claims receive full and fair consideration.

Mr. Pereira-Alves, who is originally from Brazil, was detained last week and is currently being held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center. According to media reports, federal immigration authorities have sought to remove him to Guyana, a country he has never visited and to which he has no ties. A federal judge has temporarily blocked his removal. The prospect of removing Mr. Pereira-Alves to a country with which he has no connection is deeply troubling, particularly given the documented discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQ+ people in Guyana.

The City of West Hollywood stands firmly for due process, human rights, and the dignity and safety of every member of our community. The City has reached out to U.S. Representative Laura Friedman, who represents California's 30th Congressional District, and U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to request their intervention on behalf of Mr. Pereira-Alves.

West Hollywood has long served as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and other marginalized communities. Our immigrant communities are not threats; they are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and loved ones, and they are integral to the social, cultural, and economic fabric of our city and our region.

The City of West Hollywood will not remain silent when a member of our community faces detention and potential removal while significant questions about due process, fairness, and personal safety remain unresolved. We urge federal authorities to respect due process and fundamental rights.

The City contracts with service providers to assist community members impacted by immigration enforcement actions, including immigration legal assistance, rental assistance, and other support. The City is working through Mr. Pereira-Alves' network of friends to help connect him with available resources.

The City of West Hollywood remains steadfast in its commitment to human rights, equality, inclusion, and the rule of law. We strongly encourage members of our immigrant communities to know their rights and the resources available to them. Information and assistance related to immigration enforcement are available through the City of West Hollywood's Know Your Rights webpage at www.weho.org/knowyourrights and the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs at oia.lacounty.gov.