FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2019
Media Contact
Ny Nourn, nyn@advancingjustice-alc.org
(415) 896-1701 ext. 130
Community Members Gather to Denounce Sixth Round of Immigration Raids Targeting Cambodian Refugees
SAN FRANCISCO – A coalition of directly impacted community members, advocates, faith leaders, civil rights organizations, and elected officials gathered at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) headquarters in San Francisco today to support Cambodian refugees detained for deportation proceedings in the sixth round of raids targeting these communities.
Today’s action highlighted the ongoing persecution of refugee communities which has escalated to unprecedented levels under the Trump administration. Cambodian deportations have increased 279 percent since the administration took office and the administration has signaled its intention to continue to expand on the detention and deportation of Vietnamese, Lao, and other Southeast Asian communities.
“By targeting Southeast Asian refugees for deportation, this administration once again has chosen to perpetuate fear and hatred,” said Ny Nourn, Immigrant Rights Community Advocate at Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus, “but our communities are organized and stronger than ever before. We will fight to protect our communities.”
The groups also urged Governor Newsom to grant pardons for Saman Pho and Sakun Phok, two Cambodian community members facing imminent deportation unless the Governor intervenes.
“We look to Governor Newsom once again to use his pardon power to protect our communities and affirm California values of redemption and hope,” said Lourdes Barraza, a mother who fought for husband’s release from ICE and a Freedom Campaign Coordinator of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.
Demonstrations opposing the ongoing raids on Cambodian communities took place this week in Boston, Sacramento, Tacoma, Burlington, and Warwick, highlighting the widespread nature of these assaults as well as the individuals and families impacted by increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement by the federal government.
“The targeting of refugees, those who have experienced trauma and rehabilitation, is unconscionable and exceedingly cruel,” said Oakland City Councilmember Nikki Bas. “Attacks on immigrant communities are attacks on us all, and as elected officials, we must protect our constituents.”
“The Trump Administration and its ICE cronies continue to terrorize our communities,” said Assemblymember David Chiu (D-San Francisco). “It is cruel to target those who have lived in this country for many years, who have families that depend on them, and who have paid their debt to society. We must come together to protect our friends and loved ones.”
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Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus was founded in 1972 as the nation’s first legal and civil rights Asian American organization. Recognizing that social, economic, political and racial inequalities continue to exist in the United States, Advancing Justice – ALC is committed to the pursuit of equality and justice for all sectors of our society, with a specific focus directed toward addressing the needs of low-income, immigrant and underserved Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.