First principles. Those two words were repeated throughout the night of Latinos Salud’s 17th annual gala. In the face of severe funding cuts by the government and sponsors the organization did not contract, it expanded. 

As people face terrifying and illegal arrests they are not abandoned, they are embraced. First principles. 

“We’ve had major headwinds in the past year,” Executive Director Stephen Fallon said outside the Broward Center moments before the event. “You’ll hear stories of how we not only survived but thrived and grew with the community.” 

The stories were powerful and left people shook. 

Clients talked about how Latinos Salud is a social and health lifeline, allowing them to connect with community and know they’re not alone. But the most powerful moment of the night was when a young man, who we refer to only as Gaston, from Argentina, who is 100% legal to be in the U.S., shared his story of being terrorized by ICE. 

It all began while he was on his way home from work.  

“I was stopped by a state trooper who then called border patrol. At first I wasn’t afraid. I knew I had documentation and it would be cleared. They refused to look at it. That was the moment everything changed.” 

Over the next five minutes, he went on to detail life inside detention centers, unsanitary conditions and overcrowded cells. He was only allowed phone access every couple of days and showered every three days. 

Gaston was transferred several times over the weeks, always shackled at the hands and ankles, much the same way violent criminals are treated. 

Gaston’s tale is one of being guilty until proven and reluctantly acknowledged as, innocent. Even then he is still treated as a criminal. A judge, who described the case as “a waste” of his docket time, granted him bond, not freedom, and he was made to wear an ankle monitor. 

“After 45 days of detention I was finally released.” 

Gaston, a musician, followed his story with a song. His voice was as beautiful and his vibe was gentle. But it did little to diminish the anger and outrage the audience felt on his behalf. 

The evening was filled with great performances, high energy, and dancing. But everyone was keenly aware of the greater purpose: supporting each other when others won’t, making the extra donation, going the extra mile. 

In other words: first principles. 

OutSFL is a media sponsor of this event. Our editorial team retains full independence in reporting and was not compensated for this coverage.