Los Angeles County’s vibrant Asian immigrant communities are facing heightened anxiety and uncertainty amid rumors of mass deportations stemming from new directives issued by the Trump administration. Community leaders are responding to this climate of fear by organizing “Know Your Rights” workshops in various languages, including Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, and Punjabi, aimed at educating immigrants about their legal protections when confronted by federal agents.
Shakeel Syed, executive director of the South Asian Network, noted that the prevailing sentiment among community members is one of concern. He emphasized that even U.S.-born individuals or those with legal status feel vulnerable, as they are often perceived as outsiders. “Brown-looking people are perceived as permanent foreigners,” Syed explained, highlighting the potential for mistaken identity during immigration raids.
While a significant 79% of undocumented residents in Los Angeles County are originally 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, Indians alone comprise the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the country, following Mexicans and Salvadorans.
The Trump administration’s policies, which classify anyone without legal status as a criminal subject to expedited deportation, have raised alarms among Asian organizers. The Los Angeles metropolitan area hosts the largest populations of various Asian communities, including Cambodians, Koreans, Indonesians, Filipinos, Thai, and Vietnamese, making the impact of these policies particularly profound.
Since taking office, President Trump has enacted a series of executive orders aimed at overhauling U.S. immigration practices. These measures have drastically reduced legal avenues for entry into the U.S., strengthened enforcement at the southern border, and authorized aggressive sweeps to apprehend and deport undocumented individuals. Reports indicate that the administration has empowered Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport over one million immigrants, including those who were granted legal entry during the Biden administration while awaiting asylum hearings.
Recent incidents have underscored the urgency of the situation. Approximately 100 Indian migrants were recently returned to India on a U.S. military flight, and reports emerged of 119 migrants, including individuals from Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan, being flown to Panama for deportation proceedings. The Indian government has reportedly agreed to repatriate 18,000 of its nationals currently residing in the U.S.
Many Asian immigrants in Los Angeles traditionally arrived legally on temporary work or tourist visas, later seeking legal status or overstaying their permits. For various reasons, including economic opportunities and fleeing oppressive regimes, they have sought a better life in the U.S. Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of AAPI Equity Alliance, noted that undocumented Asian immigrants often work in low-wage service jobs, with many employed in industries like nail salons or the hotel sector.
In recent years, as visa acquisition has become increasingly difficult, more Asian migrants have joined Central Americans in perilous journeys to seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Data from federal authorities show a significant rise in encounters with Chinese and Indian nationals at the southern and northern borders, reflecting the growing desperation among these communities.
The climate of fear has led to decreased participation in community services. Connie Chung Joe, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, reported that immigrants are avoiding medical appointments and community events due to fears of being classified as public charges. This has resulted in a sharp decline in attendance at food distribution and vaccination events.
One resident, who requested anonymity due to her family’s undocumented status, expressed how the current political climate has made her family feel powerless. After arriving from Pakistan on a visa that expired, she became a DACA recipient, but her parents remain undocumented. The constant threat of ICE raids has made them overly cautious, limiting their outings and increasing their anxiety.
As Ramadan approaches, community organizations, including mosques, are preparing to welcome large gatherings. Amir Mertaban, executive director of the Islamic Society of Orange County, shared that the organization is conducting training sessions for attendees about their rights, especially regarding public protests. The fear of ICE raids has even permeated places of worship, which traditionally serve as safe havens.
With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding immigration policy, Asian immigrant communities in Los Angeles County are grappling with a profound sense of fear and vulnerability, prompting leaders to take proactive steps to educate and empower their members in the face of potential challenges.