Suzy Gerónimo, a transgender woman known for her activism in North Carolina, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Franklin County, according to acquaintances and community organizers. According to reports from people close to the case, the detention happened after a traffic stop, during which local officers identified that the person detained did not have a driver's license or regular immigration status. Enlace Latino NC contacted Franklin County authorities, but details of the arrest have not been confirmed at the time of publication. Gerónimo was transferred to Stewart Detention Center, immigration facility in Georgia, operated under contract to house people in ICE custody. The center, with capacity for more than 1,700 detainees, is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country. A community aid fund Since her arrest, the local community has organized a support fund to cover expenses and basic needs during her stay at the facility. Eliazar Posada, executive director of the organization Equality NC, organized the fundraising through this link on the GoFundMe platform. “There are costs involved in getting Suzy to communicate with people on the outside, and in getting her food and clothing while she’s in the detention center,” Posada, who is also the deputy mayor of Carrboro, told Enlace Latino NC . “There are also costs we are waiting for, such as whether there is a bond,” he noted. Company Raleigh Immigration Law Firm is providing pro bono legal defense for Suzy's case. Who is Suzy Geronimo Gerónimo is the first trans woman in North Carolina to found an organization dedicated to LGBTQ community and Latin American, Fuerza y Unión Múltiple (FUM). For more than ten years, she has been actively involved in the North Carolina Legislature and in Washington DC, advocating for the rights of the trans and immigrant community. “Suzy was the first transgender woman to open an organization in North Carolina; I am the second,” Tania Jimenez, founder of Asheboro Latinx Services, told Enlace Latino NC . “Together we have defended the LGBT rights"especially trans women," she added. Jimenez described Suzy as courageous and committed, participating in political spaces where few dare to speak and always putting the community first. Also, Iliana Santillán, executive director of the organization Brava NC highlighted these qualities. “What has most impressed me about Suzy is her courage: coming from a rural area, she always occupied spaces where few dared to speak, defending not only the trans community, but also immigrants,” she told Enlace Latino NC . “Appearing in the media can be counterproductive, but she always faces the music,” she commented. It may interest you: Trump reverses Biden's efforts to protect the LGBTQI+ community Arrest shakes the community The arrest has also generated concern among community leaders and local activists. “Her arrest has shaken the community and makes us wonder who will be next,” said Santillán, a friend and colleague of Suzy. In addition, Santillán raised the question of "how we can organize ourselves to support each other among leaders and institutions." Jimenez also warned about the risks that trans women face in the detention centers. Among them, she highlighted that many are placed next to men, which increases their vulnerability to aggression, harassment and transphobia. This, Jimenez said, is especially true if they have been unable to undergo medical procedures or update their legal identity. “It’s very sad and traumatic; we went through a lot and we want the community to help us support Suzy while she is in these conditions,” Jimenez said. “They should put their hand on their heart and donate, because if funds are needed,” she added about the collection of financial aid. PODCAST After the storm A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity. 🎧 In this episode, learn how Latino organizations transformed crisis into resilience. ▶️Press play to listen!