Long Beach, CA — More than 100 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members, leaders, and allies gathered in Long Beach on September 11 at a “Reclaim Our Streets” Rally, standing in powerful resistance against the fear and devastation caused by recent ICE raids and the increasing militarization of immigrant communities in Southern California.
Organized by AAPI Equity Alliance, in partnership with grassroots and advocacy organizations, the event was a vibrant demonstration of unity, resilience, and cultural pride. It followed the chilling September 8 U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing immigration agents to stop individuals based on race or ethnicity—a ruling that has already deepened the targeting of immigrant and AAPI communities.
“We are here today to reclaim public spaces and to defend our right to live and thrive in our communities,” said Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director of AAPI Equity Alliance.
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.”
The rally came in direct response to the escalation of immigration enforcement under Trump-era policies that continue to reverberate across Los Angeles. According to the Department of Homeland Security, over 5,000 arrests have been made in the region since the renewed crackdown began—impacting families, disrupting communities, and instilling widespread fear.
“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. “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.”
Held in Long Beach—home to the largest Cambodian community outside of Cambodia—the event highlighted the disproportionate targeting of Southeast Asian communities in the region.
Other speakers at the rally shared stories about terrified AAPI community members facing deportation and separation from their children. Richer San of Cambodia Town, Inc. told the audience about frightened Cambodian families living in and around Long Beach.
“Don’t give up,” he told attendees.
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: United Cambodian Community, Cambodia Town, Inc., Pacific Asian Counseling Services, South Asian Network, Little Tokyo Service Center, Filipino Migrant Center, Families in Good Health, NAPAFASA, and LA vs Hate.