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AAPI groups rally against ICE raids in California
Over 5,000 individuals have been arrested in LA since June 2025, as per Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
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Jeffin T. Kaleekal - Sat, 13, Sep 2025
- 01:27 EDT
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Manjusha Kulkarni, the Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance, speaking at the rally / Photo courtesy: AAPI Equity Alliance
Over a 100 AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islanders) community members, leaders and allies came together at Long Beach California to protest the raids and arrests by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the increased military presence in Los Angeles.
On Sept. 11, the AAPI Equity Alliance, in partnership with multiple grassroot and advocacy organizations, led the 'Reclaim Our Streets' rally, against the alleged anti-immigrants stand of the administration.
The rally also sought to protest against the Sept. 8 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing immigration agents to stop individuals based on race or ethnicity, a ruling that, allegedly, has already deepened the targeting of immigrant and AAPI communities.
Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance, described the movement and said, "We are here today to reclaim public spaces and to defend our right to live and thrive in our communities.”
Calling ICE raids “coordinated attacks on immigrants and working class communities,” she said the federal enforcement actions “continue to harm and destroy our communities and our families across Los Angeles.”
“We stand together because no community should be isolated in the fight for justice,” Sayon Syprasoeuth, Associate Program Director of United Cambodian Community, told rally attendees.
ALSO READ: AAPI groups to protest ICE raids on immigrants in California
Calling for action, Syprasoeuth further said, “When ICE comes for one of us, they come for all of us. And when we link arms, we raise our voices and we demand change together.”
Shakeel Syed, the Executive Director of South Asian Network noted, "Today in this country unfortunately people who are legitimate legal citizens in this country are being picked up in broad daylight by the mafia of ICE and being thrown out of this country."
He added, "We will not tolerate this, we will not stand for this."
The event featured visuals honoring detained and deported loved ones, as well as cultural performances, crafts, and resources. Community resources were provided by participating groups, including United Cambodian Community, Pacific Asian Counseling Services, South Asian Network, , Families in Good Health and LA vs Hate, among others.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has acknowledged the arrest of over 5,000 individuals in Los Angeles, California, since June 2025. This has impacted families, disrupted communities, and instilled widespread fear.
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