Support Hilary Rivers & Stand Against ICE Raids
Hilary Rivers - a Bay-Area performer, was detained by ICE. Write a letter of solidarity to Hilary (details at bit.ly/hilaryriversactnow)
As a drag collective that fights for LGBTQ+ communities and free expression, we know that the fight for liberation doesn't stop at the stage. We engage in the ongoing practice of centering drag artists most impacted by hate and marginalization—and that includes our immigrant drag performers who face ICE raids and detention.
That’s why we’re urging all performers, fans of drag and anyone reading this post to learn about Hilary Rivers, learn about ICE’s campaign against our communities, and take action.
Hilary's Story
On June 25, 2025, Hilary Rivers was detained by ICE after attending a scheduled asylum hearing in San Francisco. Just the night before, Hilary had competed in the Miss & Mr. Safe Latino Pageant during Pride Week. Hours after bringing joy to hundreds, Hilary was ripped from the community and taken to an ICE detention center near Bakersfield.
Hilary came to the United States fleeing persecution and violence in Guatemala. Hilary's case wasn't even dismissed—the Trump administration is simply detaining asylum seekers regardless of their legal status, using courthouse arrests as a weapon of terror.
ICE Uses Lies and Deception
ICE agents routinely:
Pretend to be local police
Lie about having warrants or legal authority
Use phone calls to trick people into revealing information
Show up at homes claiming to be investigating fake crimes
Target people leaving court hearings
You have the right to:
Keep your door closed
Refuse to answer questions
Remain silent
Ask to see a warrant before opening your door
Our drag performers, event organizers, and audience members need to know: You do not have to cooperate with ICE. If someone claiming to be police asks for information about community members, ask for identification—ICE agents often lie about who they are.
Know your rights with ICE (immigrantdefenseproject.org/kyr)
Community Defense is Drag Defense
Calling 911 or working with law enforcement is a risk and may not be an option for many in our community. When engagement with law enforcement does happen, it must be done with strong community leadership and witnesses to back you up.
Our Drag Defense Handbook emphasizes community organizing and individual safety:
Documenting harassment (especially important when ICE agents are involved)
Building a community safety team that doesn't rely on law enforcement
Creating emergency plans for events and venues
Developing community coalitions with immigrant defense organizations
Creating a rapid response network for ICE raids and courthouse arrests
In the coming weeks, we will be making amendments to the handbook that make this even clearer.
How You Can Take Action for Hilary and Our Community
Immediate support for Hilary:
Write letters of solidarity to let Hilary know the community is here
Sign up for updates on the case at bit.ly/hilaryriversactnow
Broader community defense:
Learn your rights when ICE comes knocking (immigrantdefenseproject.org/kyr)
Practice community safety planning that doesn't rely on police
Support local immigrant defense organizations
Share know-your-rights information with drag performers and LGBTQ+ venues
Together in joy and resistance, Qommittee
For immediate support for Hilary Rivers, visit bit.ly/hilaryriversactnow. For know-your-rights resources, visit immigrantdefenseproject.org/kyr. If you or someone you know is facing immigration enforcement, contact local immigrant defense organizations
