UPDATE: United Asian American Organizations (UAAO) held an urgent town hall last night in Michigan, addressing the increasing enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and calling for solidarity within the Asian American community. The event, which took place at the School of Social Work, drew attention to the immediate impacts of ICE’s expanding presence locally and across the nation.
The gathering began with a powerful presentation by UAAO board member and event organizer, Tyler Nguyen, who highlighted the alarming rise in ICE operations targeting Asian Americans. “This is happening right now, and we must acknowledge how close we might be to someone affected by ICE actions,” Nguyen urged attendees. He emphasized the critical need for community mobilization to support those at risk of deportation.
Nguyen framed the discussion within a historical context, referencing the political roots of the term “Asian American” that emerged from student activism in the 1960s and 70s. “We must reflect on our history as we confront these present challenges,” he stated, underscoring the need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable community members.
The event took a sobering turn when Nguyen shared the story of ChongLy “Scott” Thao, a Hmong American man detained by ICE earlier this year. Thao, a U.S. citizen, was apprehended in a humiliating manner, highlighting the reckless and biased practices of immigration enforcement. “This incident illustrates the urgent need for our community to unite against these injustices,” Nguyen said.
Participants engaged in breakout discussions, focusing on ICE’s impact, recent raids—including one near a school in Ypsilanti—and the expansion of detention facilities in Michigan. Many attendees echoed concerns that citizenship status no longer guarantees safety from detainment under current immigration policies.
LSA sophomore Paolo Gabriel Poquiz expressed frustration over the lack of representation regarding ICE’s effects on Asian Americans. “The narrative surrounding ICE often overlooks our experiences,” he stated, calling for greater acknowledgment of the intersectionality within the Asian diaspora.
In a follow-up discussion, LSA junior and UAAO board member Angelica Garcia emphasized the importance of Asian American voices in the conversation about immigration enforcement. “We need to advocate for ourselves and each other. Our experiences matter,” she insisted.
As the town hall concluded, attendees brainstormed actionable steps to mobilize their communities, including organizing fundraisers, tracking ICE activity, and reaching out to elected officials. The sense of urgency was palpable, as participants recognized the pressing need to protect not only their communities but also the fundamental rights of all individuals affected by ICE actions.
This town hall marks a significant moment for Asian American activism in Michigan, as community members rally to confront the challenges posed by ICE enforcement. The UAAO is committed to continuing this dialogue and fostering solidarity among diverse communities to combat injustices.
For more information on future events and actions, visit the UAAO website or connect with community leaders to stay informed.
In this critical time, the call for unity and action is louder than ever.
