New York–Based Indo-Guyanese Activist Enters Congressional Race After Viral Immigration Post
Brooklyn, NY – A New York–based Indo-Guyanese community advocate has entered the race for Congress, adding a new and increasingly visible voice to the contest for New York’s 10th Congressional District.
Nickie Kane, a grassroots organizer and former City Council candidate, announced her congressional bid this week, centering her campaign on affordability, workers’ rights, healthcare and housing as human rights, climate justice, and humane immigration policy (NickieKane.com).
Kane grew up in Richmond Hill, Queens, an area that today is known for its large Indo-Caribbean population. When her family first came to the United States, however, the neighborhood looked very different. At the time, there were few Guyanese families in the area, and Kane has said her family was one of only two Guyanese households in their building. She has often cited those early experiences as shaping her understanding of immigration, belonging, and community resilience.
Kane has recently drawn national attention after a social media post comparing deaths linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement with deaths attributed to undocumented immigrants went viral (Instagram.com). As of this week, the post has reached approximately 2.3 million views. In the post, Kane highlighted data showing that deaths connected to ICE actions in recent years far outnumber deaths caused by undocumented immigrants, challenging widely repeated political narratives about immigration and public safety.
The post sparked a wave of online debate, with supporters praising Kane for using data to counter what they describe as fear-based propaganda, while critics accused her of oversimplifying a complex issue. Kane has responded by pointing to broader crime statistics that consistently show undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit violent crimes than the general population.
Kane’s Indo-Guyanese background and personal immigration story have resonated with immigrant and Caribbean communities across New York City, many of which remain underrepresented at the federal level despite decades of civic and economic contributions. She has emphasized that her lived experience informs her advocacy against displacement, aggressive enforcement practices, and policies that target immigrant communities.
As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the NY-10 race is expected to draw increased attention. With her growing national profile and grassroots base, Kane’s campaign has quickly become one to watch, particularly as immigration policy and federal accountability remain at the center of the political conversation.