SAN FRANCISCO (Diya TV) — Asian American and Pacific Islander immigrants and refugees in California continue to face threats from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to AAPIs for Civic Empowerment Education Fund (AAPI FORCE-EF). The group said ICE agents are still conducting raids, even if they are smaller in scale, and targeting people at their workplaces.
AAPI FORCE-EF reported that ICE operations in California have not stopped. Instead, agents have shifted to smaller raids in places like garment factories, shopping centers, nail salons, massage parlors, and restaurants. Many workers in these industries are immigrants who fear losing their jobs or being separated from their families.
Community advocates say the raids disrupt families and spread fear. People avoid public spaces and hesitate to report abuse at work. The group added that immigrants who have lived in the United States for decades still feel unsafe.
The organization explained that raids often happen with little warning. ICE officers enter workplaces and detain employees who cannot show proof of legal status. These actions affect not only the workers but also their children, who may face sudden separation from parents.
AAPI FORCE-EF said the raids target industries where immigrants make up a large share of the workforce. Nail salons and garment shops employ many women from Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds. Massage parlors and restaurants also depend on immigrant labor. When ICE conducts raids in these spaces, entire communities feel the consequences.
Advocates point out that fear of detention forces immigrants into isolation. Many choose not to seek health care, education, or legal help. Families avoid reporting crimes or unsafe working conditions because they fear attracting government attention.
“People live in constant fear,” the group said. “These raids are designed to scare communities into silence.”
Community leaders add that this fear weakens trust in local institutions. It makes workers more vulnerable to exploitation because they cannot fight back against wage theft or harassment.
AAPI FORCE-EF has urged lawmakers to create stronger protections for immigrant workers and families. The group is pushing for more local and state support to reduce ICE’s reach in California. Advocates want city officials to expand sanctuary protections and limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
The organization also called for better access to legal aid. Many immigrants face detention or deportation without proper representation. With legal support, they could fight cases and remain with their families.
Immigration enforcement has long affected Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. From Southeast Asian refugees who arrived after wars to Pacific Islanders who migrated for work, many have faced detention and deportation. Advocates say the current raids continue this history of targeting vulnerable groups.
While the raids may be smaller than in past years, the harm remains significant. Families live with the daily risk of separation. Workers carry the stress of potential detention every time they go to their jobs.
AAPI FORCE-EF said it will continue to monitor ICE activities and support families facing deportation. The group believes stronger community networks can help resist enforcement and keep families together.
Advocates stressed that immigrants and refugees are part of California’s economy and culture. They contribute to industries, pay taxes, and raise families in the state. Community leaders argue that targeting them undermines the values of fairness and inclusion.
