CELESTE
Texas-born daughter of first-generation Mexican immigrants. Building the tools that keep communities safe and informed.
EST. 2025
Appearances
Covered In
Views
Founded
About Celeste
Celeste — known as @CelestieDaBestie on TikTok and Instagram — is the Texas-born daughter of first-generation Mexican immigrants and the founder and CEO of People Over Papers, a crowdsourced platform that maps real-time immigration-enforcement activity across the United States.
During the turbulent aftermath of the 2024 election, she launched her social media channels to counter misinformation and share immigration policy updates — an effort that quickly grew into a nationwide network reaching audiences in both English and Spanish.
Today, People Over Papers has logged thousands of community reports and is used by advocates, journalists, and families to stay safe and informed. Featured in The Washington Post, Bloomberg, WIRED, and many other sources, Celeste combines digital savvy with a lifelong commitment to justice for marginalized communities.
She remains focused on fighting misinformation about immigration and the technology used by federal agencies — training volunteers, expanding the platform, and speaking out against policies that threaten immigrant rights.
Recognition
Selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool to join the News Creator Corps Trusted Creator Fellowship — an intensive program focused on fact-checking, sourcing, and interviewing. One of 20 creators chosen from 10 states and territories.
View Fellowship ClassAs a fellowship graduate, Celeste is a verified member of the NCC Collective — a nationwide network of accredited, accuracy-focused content creators committed to fact-based information sharing. Combined, Collective members reach over 5 million followers.
View the CollectiveMedia Appearances
PEOPLE
OVER
PAPERS
A crowdsourced platform mapping real-time immigration-enforcement activity across the United States. Used by advocates, journalists, and families nationwide to stay safe and informed.
Available as a website and native iOS & Android app at iceout.org.
Visit iceout.orgReal-time crowdsourced map of immigration enforcement activity. Over 37 million views. Trusted by journalists, advocates, and families.
iceout.orgA mutual aid program serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Direct community support connecting neighbors with the resources they need.
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded and led by Celeste that oversees both People Over Papers and Vecinos Aid, and supports community-driven organizing nationwide.