A Southern California social media influencer, Bobbi Althoff, is advocating for immigration reform after her family friend, Felix Morales Gomez, was arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents. The incident occurred at a Home Depot parking lot in Corona, California, where Gomez was waiting for work alongside other day laborers.
Background of Felix Morales Gomez
Felix Morales Gomez immigrated to the United States in 2004. Although he lacks legal status, he has no criminal convictions and is recognized as a hardworking individual who supports his family. Althoff has known Gomez her entire life, highlighting his importance to her and his family.
Althoff’s Advocacy and Impact
With a substantial following of 8.2 million on TikTok and 3.7 million on Instagram, Althoff is leveraging her platform to raise awareness about immigration issues. Despite losing followers due to her political stance, she remains committed to speaking out. Outside the ICE facility in Adelanto, she expressed her feelings on the current immigration policies.
“I don’t want to be on the wrong side of history,” Althoff stated. She emphasized the unfair treatment of individuals waiting for work and called for more celebrities and influencers to join her cause. She argues that many immigrants are not criminals and “have not done anything wrong.”
The Emotional Toll on Families
Joining Althoff in her advocacy are Morales Gomez’s niece, Ermelinda Estevan, and their church pastor. Estevan expressed deep concern over the potential deportation of her uncle. “It’s not the way we wanted him to go,” she stated, showing the distress caused by the situation.
Althoff’s Journey in Social Media
Althoff began her journey as a social media influencer during the pandemic, gaining fame through her humorous videos. Recently, she started discussing political matters, particularly during the Israeli-Hamas conflict. Her commitment to advocating for social issues focuses on changing perceptions about the immigration system.
Reflections on Political Beliefs
Having voted for Donald Trump in his initial election, Althoff reflects on her past naivety regarding politics. She noted that many people are unaware of the real-life implications immigration policies have on families. “If I can change just one person’s mind, I think that’s at least a start,” she said, reinforcing her desire for positive change.
- Influencer: Bobbi Althoff
- Friend Arrested: Felix Morales Gomez
- Location of Arrest: Home Depot, Corona, California
- Date of Arrest: Monday
Through her advocacy, Althoff continues to push for immigration reform, aiming to create a dialogue around the human impact of current policies. Her efforts highlight the importance of using social media platforms for social justice causes.
