Dear Community,

Our immigrant communities are under attack—and when one of us is taken, we all step up to take action!

On December 4th, 2025, during what was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in, ICE detained Leandro, known by his loved ones as Leo. Leo is a beloved brother, son, partner, and community leader. He has been held at Mesa Verde Detention Center in Bakersfield since then, five hours from his family and community. What began as an ordinary day turned into a nightmare by a system designed to terrorize immigrant communities.

Leo is a respected community leader, world-class drummer, educator, and organizer whose life’s work has been to build bridges across cultures and put power back into the hands of the people. Known internationally and particularly in the Bay Area, Leo leads the bateria (drums) for Samba Funk and has played with Batuki and Samba de Teja and is deeply connected to cultural workers.

Through Audiopharmacy and Namorados Da Lua, his art harnesses the history of the African diaspora, Indigenous resistance, and international solidarity—sustaining prominent ties to international and global liberation movements. Incarcerating someone like Leo is no accident; it is part of a system that targets immigrant communities through violence, family separations, and the militarization of ICE.

But we are not afraid—and we are not divided. We are standing up and coming together for Leo. This is how we protect our people. This is how we move together.

Fundraising efforts are being organized by Leo’s longtime friend of over 24 years and legal sponsor, Collin, in direct coordination with Leo’s partner, Elena, and with full authorization by Leo.

SIGN UP through Leo’s Action Network to get updates, mobilization alerts, and ways to take action.

Free Leo. Free them All.

With love, struggle, and commitment to the people.

FREE LEO!