URGENT UPDATE: The United Asian American Organizations (UAAO) hosted a pivotal town hall on February 14, 2024, addressing the urgent impact of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Asian American communities in Michigan and across the nation. The event, held at the School of Social Work, drew a significant crowd eager to engage in discussions about solidarity and mobilization against ICE’s expanding presence.
Attendees were immediately confronted with alarming data highlighting ICE’s growing enforcement actions in Michigan. Organizer and UAAO board member Tyler Nguyen emphasized the importance of community awareness, urging participants to recognize their proximity to individuals affected by ICE actions. “Think about how close you might be to someone facing deportation or detention,” Nguyen stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
The town hall featured a powerful presentation that included the story of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a Hmong American man detained by ICE despite being a U.S. citizen. Nguyen condemned the incident, stating, “ChongLy was dragged out by ICE in his underwear, with no dignity.” This shocking account served as a rallying cry for those present, illustrating the dire consequences of current immigration enforcement policies.
Nguyen connected historical injustices faced by Asian Americans, such as the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, to present-day ICE practices. “ICE detention camps echo the dark history of Japanese internment camps,” he warned, urging the audience to draw parallels between past and present injustices.
Following the presentation, attendees engaged in small group discussions to reflect on ICE’s impact, including a recent raid near a school in Ypsilanti. Conversations revealed that under the current administration, citizenship status does not guarantee safety from detainment, intensifying the fear within the community.
Participants brainstormed actionable steps to combat these injustices, suggesting initiatives like organizing fundraisers, utilizing group chats to monitor ICE activities, and amplifying personal stories within their networks.
LSA sophomore Paolo Gabriel Poquiz echoed the need for greater representation of Asian Americans in discussions about ICE, noting the complexities surrounding perceptions of the Asian diaspora. “ICE was established as part of the War on Terror, and its effects on Asian Americans are often overlooked,” Poquiz remarked.
UAAO board member Angelica Garcia added that Asian Americans’ experiences are frequently marginalized in dialogues about ICE. “We must show up for ourselves and for others,” she asserted, underscoring the importance of visibility and representation in these critical discussions.
As the town hall concluded, the urgency for sustained community engagement and action against ICE’s enforcement practices became clear. The UAAO’s call for solidarity resonated deeply, urging attendees to mobilize and advocate for justice in their communities.
This urgent gathering highlights the pressing need for awareness and action among Asian American communities as they navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement and work towards a more equitable future.
For continuous updates and community actions, stay tuned to local news and UAAO announcements.
