Dear Community,
Kerrie Williams needs us—right now.
On December 29, in Woodbury, NY, Kerrie, a cherished member of New York City’s Hindu and Guyanese transgender community, was taken by ICE and transferred hundreds of miles away to a detention center in Louisiana. She is currently being held in a men’s facility, cut off from her community and denied consistent access to gender‑affirming care. These dehumanizing conditions have retraumatized her and pushed her mental health into crisis.
Kerrie’s story is one of courage, faith, and service. She fled Guyana to escape brutal persecution as a transgender woman—surviving violence, discrimination, and social exclusion in a country where colonial‑era laws still criminalize same‑sex intimacy and endanger LGBTQ+ lives. In her search for stability, she once served in the Guyana Police Force, hoping to create change from within, but faced daily harassment, stalled promotions, and threats from colleagues because of her gender identity.
Seeking safety and the freedom to live authentically, Kerrie came to the United States and applied for asylum. In New York City, she began rebuilding her life, recently completing training as a Certified Nursing Assistant so she could care for others with dignity, kindness, and compassion. She is a beloved friend, neighbor, and caregiver whose life has always been about showing up for others.
Now, she urgently needs us to show up for her.
The Caribbean Equality Project (CEP) has secured a deportation defense attorney to represent Kerrie, but fighting her case, ensuring her access to care, and supporting her basic needs during and after detention all require resources.
Your contribution will help:
- Cover legal and case‑related costs
- Support advocacy and organizing for her release
- Provide emergency assistance so she can safely rebuild her life once she’s free
Every dollar—no matter the amount—brings Kerrie closer to safety, stability, and home.
Alongside raising funds, we are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to champion and pass the New York for All Act, to ensure that immigrant New Yorkers like Kerrie are protected from local police collusion with ICE and can remain safe in the only home many of them know.
Kerrie has spent her life caring for everyone around her. Please, if you are able:
- Donate to this campaign
- Share this fundraiser widely with your networks
- Uplift Kerrie’s story and join the call for her freedom
Kerrie has stood in her truth with courage. Let’s stand with her in solidarity.
It’s time we bring Kerrie home.
Organizer
