Los Angeles County’s Asian immigrant communities are facing heightened anxiety and uncertainty in light of rumors regarding potential mass deportations under new directives from the Trump administration. Community leaders are responding by organizing "Know Your Rights" training sessions at religious centers and workplaces, providing resources in multiple languages, including Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, and Punjabi, to help immigrants understand their rights when confronted by federal agents.
Shakeel Syed, executive director of the South Asian Network, emphasized the pervasive concern among community members, noting that even U.S.-born citizens or those with legal status are feeling the strain. He highlighted the perception that individuals with "brown" features are often viewed as perpetual foreigners, increasing the risk they might be caught up in immigration raids.
While the majority of undocumented residents in L.A. County are from Mexico and Central America, Asian immigrants represent the second-largest group, accounting for 16% of the undocumented population, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Notably, Indians are the third-largest group of undocumented individuals in the U.S., following Mexicans and Salvadorans.
The Trump administration’s policies classify all undocumented individuals as criminals, subjecting them to expedited deportation, which has raised alarms among Asian organizers about the potential impact on local communities. The Los Angeles metropolitan area is home to the largest populations of Cambodians, Koreans, Indonesians, Filipinos, Thai, and Vietnamese in the nation, according to the Pew Research Center.
Shortly after taking office, President Trump enacted a series of executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration policy. These measures have significantly restricted legal entry pathways, intensified enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border, and facilitated aggressive deportation efforts. Recent reports indicate that U.S. military planes have transported groups of migrants back to their home countries, including a notable return of Indian nationals.
Many Asian immigrants in L.A. have historically arrived legally on temporary visas and later overstayed, often seeking better work and educational opportunities or fleeing oppressive regimes. Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance, pointed out that undocumented Asian immigrants frequently work in low-wage service jobs within industries where their communities have established a presence, such as nail salons, doughnut shops, and hotels.
As the process for obtaining work and tourist visas has become more challenging, an increasing number of Asian migrants are undertaking perilous journeys to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Federal data shows a significant rise in encounters with Chinese and Indian nationals at the border, reflecting a growing trend of asylum seekers from Asia.
The climate of fear has led some immigrants to cancel medical appointments and avoid public events, impacting community health initiatives. Connie Chung Joe, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, noted that attendance at food distribution events and vaccination drives has dwindled due to fear of exposure.
One L.A. resident, who asked to remain anonymous due to her family’s undocumented status, shared that the current political climate has made her family feel powerless. She described how they have become increasingly cautious, avoiding driving unless absolutely necessary, as they fear drawing attention from authorities.
Amid these tensions, community organizations are preparing for events such as Ramadan, with leaders like Amir Mertaban of the Islamic Society of Orange County noting the anxiety surrounding potential ICE raids at places of worship. He expressed concern for community members who seek solace and connection in religious spaces but are now burdened by the fear of deportation.
As the situation evolves, Asian immigrant communities in Los Angeles County remain on high alert, grappling with the implications of federal immigration policies and the uncertain future that lies ahead.