ICE arrests of Asians, Pacific Islanders nearly quadruple

Arrests, detentions and deportations of Asians and Pacific Islanders have nearly quadrupled during US President Donald Trump's second administration, research shows.

The findings are from government data analyzed by Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition dedicated to fighting racism and discrimination against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

It found that between Jan 20 and mid-October last year, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 7,752 Asians and Pacific Islanders, detained 7,243 and deported 2,776.

In 2024, during the previous administration, there were 1,998 arrests.

The analysis also found that the top five countries of citizenship for Asian arrests were: China (26 percent), India (25 percent), Vietnam (12 percent), Laos and South Korea (both at 4 percent).

Government data showed that 33 people died in immigration detention last year.

Human rights watchers said deprivation of freedom, isolation, anxiety and poor physical conditions, including inadequate medical care and mental health services, contributed to the deaths that occurred in custody.

Immigration crackdowns have struck fear in Asian communities across the US. In October, ICE raids on New York's Canal Street emptied the historic Chinatown where vendors usually filled the street with fruits, vegetables and other goods.

In the same month, a candlelight vigil was held in Sacramento, California, to bring attention to the ICE raids on Asian and Pacific Islander communities. ICE had targeted local grocery stores, massage parlors, salons, restaurants and shopping centers.

Panic struck Koreatown in Los Angeles last month after ICE agents were spotted in the community one day.

Jessica, a retired teacher in Dallas, Texas, and a Chinese immigrant, said she has been carrying her passport with her since October.

"I have lived in the US for almost 40 years. I know that I am not required by any law to carry my passport as an American citizen, but I am aware of news that some Americans were wrongly detained by ICE," she told China Daily.

"That scares me. I now carry my passport in case some ICE agents decide to question me due to my look."

A recent survey by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago found that 34 percent of Asian and Pacific Island adults felt less secure in the US, and 39 percent said they withdrew from public life to one degree or another.

About 36 percent of more than 1,300 respondents said they were concerned about their citizenship or immigration status being questioned and revoked, and 30 percent were fearful of arrest, detention or deportation. Some 26 percent changed their social media presence, and 19 percent said they or someone they know suffered financially as a result.