We never imagined we would have to write something like this.
Our dear friend, Iryna, was detained by ICE on Wednesday evening at San Francisco International Airport while returning home from a trip to Portland. A video of her arrest has since circulated widely on social media, showing a deeply distressing encounter that has shaken everyone who knows and loves her.
While we have now located Iryna and have been able to make contact with her, she remains in immigration detention. We are deeply concerned for her well-being and are doing everything we can to bring her home.
We have secured legal representation, but the costs associated with her case are significant. We are raising funds to help cover her immigration attorney fees, bond, court filings, and other legal expenses necessary to fight for her release and help her remain in the country she has called home for more than a decade.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will go directly toward these efforts, or will otherwise be donated to an organization supporting immigration needs.
For the past 13 years, Iryna has made San Francisco her home. She brightens the days of customers at Better Half Cafe in Polk Gulch, is always there for friends and neighbors, pet-sits for those in need, and shares her gift for photography with the community. If you know Iryna, you know her kindness is genuine and constant.
One detail says everything about who she is: after being detained, one of her first concerns was making sure the people whose cats she was caring for knew she couldn't make it, and that her employer knew she wouldn't be at work. Even in one of the most frightening moments of her life, she was thinking about others.
Today, we're asking our community to show up for Iryna the way she has always shown up for others. Every contribution brings us one step closer to bringing her back home.
No human is illegal. Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Please stay safe, and we appreciate any support you can give.
Money will be used for the following:
- Legal representation - Immigration attorney, bond, court filing and other legal expenses
- Paying rent - We want to make sure her apartment remains in her name until she's home
- Resettlement - We don't know what the future looks like, but we will make sure she has the resources she needs including theraphy, groceries, etc.
We will continue to have the GoFundMe up until Iryna is home. Any funds leftover will be donated to immigration organizations in the Bay Area / others who have been affected by ICE. We protect our community!