Alex Pereira-Alves is a dear friend who has called West Hollywood home for more than 16 years and has lived in the United States for over 20 years. Alex has built a life here through hard work, serving the community as a security guard and personal trainer. Now, Alex is facing a heartbreaking crisis after being detained by ICE in California and threatened with deportation to Equatorial Guinea in Africa (not Guyana as we incorrectly heard early on), which is even far worse. Despite having legal protection that allows Alex to remain and work in the U.S., this detention has turned life upside down. Alex has endured emotional and financial harm, been separated from a beloved dog and support network, and is now living with painful uncertainty about the future. Alex is not a criminal. Alex is a hardworking, generous, kind person who deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to keep fighting for a stable future.

This fundraiser will help Alex cover the urgent costs ahead, including accrued expenses while detained, missed income, and the expenses of restarting life in a new country after this devastating setback. Every donation will help relieve some of the pressure and give Alex a real chance to defend that future and begin rebuilding. Jeff is asking friends, neighbors, and anyone moved by Alex’s story to please stand with Alex during this incredibly difficult time. If you are able to give, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. If everyone who sees this just gave even $10, it would make a huge difference. Please keep Alex in your thoughts and share this fundraiser with others who may be able to help. If anyone wants to visit, you’re more than welcome to. But please do your research before going, and I’m happy to chat with you before your journey to Adelanto.