Washington, DC – SEARAC condemns the recent escalation of attacks on immigrant communities and the alarming rise in disappearances carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These actions represent a direct violation of First Amendment rights, including the freedom of speech and freedom to assemble, and evoke haunting parallels to the forced disappearances that many Southeast Asian American families fled in their countries of origin.
In combination with the Trump Administration’s escalated efforts to deport Southeast Asian refugees and the leaked travel ban list, the increased targeting of immigrants, particularly those who protested the actions of this administration or are from certain communities, undermines the foundation of our democracy. It echoes the trauma of authoritarian regimes in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, where thousands had been silenced, disappeared, or displaced.
“Southeast Asian Americans know full well the pain of losing our loved ones to state violence — to never see our family members again when governments secretly sweep them away off the streets or in the middle of the night. We will not stand idly by as the United States repeats the same abuses that our communities fled,” said Quyen Dinh, Executive Director of SEARAC. “The increased attacks and disappearances conducted by ICE are blatantly unconstitutional and a direct violation of the rights of each individual taken. Congress must hold this Administration accountable to the law. For our communities, we urge you to take caution during this tumultuous time, including increasing your digital security.”
Media contact: Elaine Sanchez Wilson, elaine@searac.org
Community Resources
- Immigration Resource Library (SEARAC)
- Intake form, hotline: (612) 470-1773, email: khaagwa@gmail.com (Khmer Anti-deportation and Advocacy Group)
- Resources for Southeast Asian Refugees Facing Deportation (Asian Law Caucus)
- Asian Law Caucus Legal Help (415) 896-1701
- Seek Legal Aid at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (Advancing Justice Southern California)
- Translated Know Your Immigration Rights with ICE (Mekong NYC)
- 24/7 Emergency Immigrant Assistance hotline: (800) 251-1083, email: seafnhotline@gmail.com (Southeast Asian Freedom Network)
- Community support for deportees:
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Vietnam
- (NOTE: Graphics to hotlines above here)
