UPDATE: The United Asian American Organizations (UAAO) hosted a crucial town hall on October 25, 2023, at the School of Social Work in Michigan, addressing the urgent issue of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforcement and its impact on Asian American communities. The meeting highlighted the alarming rise of ICE’s presence and called for immediate solidarity and mobilization among attendees.
The evening began with a powerful presentation that detailed ICE’s expanding operations in Michigan, sparking a vital discussion among participants. LSA senior and UAAO board member Tyler Nguyen urged attendees to consider their proximity to individuals affected by ICE detentions. “Think of how close you might be to someone who is in ICE detention, or facing deportation,” Nguyen emphasized, stressing the necessity of recognizing these issues within local communities.
Nguyen connected the current situation to historical injustices, reminding participants of the political origins of the term “Asian American,” which gained prominence during student movements in the 1960s and 70s. “We root our histories in the student organizers of the Asian American movement,” he stated, calling for authentic engagement with communities to educate and address pressing concerns.
One of the most striking moments of the night involved the case of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a Hmong American man detained earlier this year in Minnesota, despite being a U.S. citizen. Nguyen showcased a photo of Thao and recounted the harrowing details of his arrest, where he was taken by ICE officers in his underwear and held without dignity. “This is one of the really egregious examples of how these attacks are going and directly attacking Asian communities,” he declared.
The discussion also drew parallels between contemporary ICE practices and historical discriminatory policies against Asian Americans, such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Nguyen noted, “Notably in 1942, the 1798 Alien Enemies Act was enacted… These parallels are very similar—ICE detention camps, Japanese detention camps.”
Following the presentation, attendees engaged in breakout discussions, reflecting on ICE’s impact on Asian Americans in Michigan, including a recent raid near a school in Ypsilanti. Participants voiced concerns that citizenship status does not offer protection from detainment under the current immigration crackdown.
LSA sophomore Paolo Gabriel Poquiz expressed the need for greater representation of Asian American experiences regarding ICE, highlighting the conflicting perceptions of the Asian diaspora. “It’s really hard because perceptions of Asian Americans… are so conflicting,” he stated.
UAAO board member Angelica Garcia added in an interview, “Asian Americans’ experiences and opinions are often not taken into consideration in conversations about ICE.” She urged the community to show up not only for themselves but also for others impacted by these policies.
The town hall concluded with a call to action, encouraging participants to organize fundraisers, track ICE activity, and amplify personal stories within their communities. As discussions continue, the UAAO emphasizes the need for solidarity and active mobilization against the growing threat of ICE enforcement.
This urgent gathering serves as a reminder of the critical need for awareness and action, as the Asian American community faces unprecedented challenges in the current political climate. As these developments unfold, local residents are urged to stay informed and engaged.
For more updates, follow UAAO’s initiatives and support their efforts to protect vulnerable communities from unjust enforcement practices.
