Bobbi Althoff Speaks Out Against Immigration Policies After Family Friend’s Arrest

ADELANTO, Calif. (KABC) — Bobbi Althoff, a Southern California social media influencer, is using her platform to criticize the Trump administration’s immigration policies following the recent arrest of a close family friend by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

Althoff, who boasts 8.2 million followers on TikTok and 3.7 million on Instagram, revealed that Felix Morales Gomez, a friend she has known for her entire life, was taken into custody earlier this week. Althoff stated that Morales Gomez has lived in the United States since 2004 and has no criminal convictions.

Althoff expressed her concerns outside the ICE facility in Adelanto, where Morales Gomez is being held. “Going up to car washes and Home Depots, you’re taking hard-working people away, people who are not criminals who have not done anything wrong here,” she said.

She acknowledged that while Morales Gomez does not have legal status, he is a dedicated worker who supports his family. Althoff is urging fellow influencers to join her in speaking out against these policies, despite experiencing a loss of followers for her political stance.

“I don’t want to be on the wrong side of history,” she said. “What’s happening right now, especially with immigration, is so wrong.”

Morales Gomez’s niece, Ermelinda Estevan, expressed her concerns about the potential for his deportation, saying, “If the government wants him out, I’m pretty sure he’s going to understand and go by his own will. But peacefully, because he’s never done anything wrong to this country or to anyone.”

Althoff’s approach to political discourse has shifted since the onset of the Israeli-Hamas conflict, and she has since made it clear that she believes immigration issues extend beyond political parties. “I don’t care whether or not you’re Republican or Democrat,” she stated emphatically. “This is a human rights issue.”

In a series of TikTok videos, Althoff described ICE’s actions as unjust, referring to her family friend’s arrest as a form of “kidnapping” and criticizing the treatment of detainees. She has called for a peaceful protest and encouraged her followers to educate themselves on immigration issues.

Althoff’s views on immigration enforcement align with growing concerns about the increasing number of undocumented immigrants detained since the start of Trump’s presidency. Current statistics show that a significant percentage of those held in ICE detention have no criminal convictions, raising questions about the agency’s practices.

“It’s only a matter of time before it does affect you or someone you love,” she added. Her message is receiving attention, not only from supporters but also critics who accuse her of ignoring the political ramifications of immigration policies.

The situation has sparked a debate among Althoff’s followers, reflecting the divided sentiments surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States.