Hawaii’s AANHPI Ccmmunities rally as floods leave trails of destruction

SCREEN CAPTURE / ABC

Oahu's North Shore communities were the hardest hit by the double deluge.

Over 5,500 residents across Hawaii were forced to evacuate as flash floods—the worst in over two decades—tore through neighborhoods, uprooted families, and left an estimated $1 billion in damages in their wake.

While the headline-grabbing wind and rain of the March 2026 double "Kona low" storm system -- essentially, a slow moving storm followed by another slow moving storm --  have started to subside after dumping 8-14 inches of rain. The reality of storm damage for thousands in Hawaii is just beginning to sink in.

For many in our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities, this isn't just a weather event; it’s a direct hit on ancestral lands and cultural hubs already facing economic and environmental pressures.

Ground zero

Oahu’s North Shore & Windward Side was ground zero. Communities like Haleiwa, Waialua, and Laie—home to many Native Hawaiian families—bore the brunt of the water's fury. In Laie, approximately 100 homes were damaged overnight.

“It was a scary moment for us, especially my mom being here by herself,” Leilua Scott of Laie told Hawaii News Now. “Seeing what was damaged and how the water was still rising, I didn’t worry about anything. All I worried was my mom and my little brother.”

“Everything was damaged from the bed, sofas, couches, icebox, everything. We can’t save anything,” Scott said.

Over 230 people had to be pulled from the rising waters, including 72 kids and staff airlifted from a North Shore youth camp.

Officials and residents are worried about the 120-year-old Wahiawa Dam overtopping casting a shadow of fear over downstream families for days.

The earthen dam was built by the Waialua Sugar Company to irrigate North Shore sugar fields. Today it is owned by the Dole Food Company.

The earthen dam has been cited for lacking adequate spillway repairs since 2009. The historic rains brought the reservoir to critical levels, causing concerns about potential failure, though Dole management stated it remained structurally sound.

Thankfully, water levels started dropping Saturday, but the damage is done—homes are buried in muck, and the local fire station was completely swamped.

Early estimates are staggering, hovering around $1 billion. We’re talking destroyed schools, shredded roads, and a power grid that’s still struggling to stay upright in some pockets.

Maui: disaster after disaster

On Maui, in areas like Lahaina and South Kihei, residents still healing from the 2023 wildfires are now navigating mudslides and sinkholes. The "sky weeps" (Uwe ka lani), but for those in temporary housing or already displaced, the "life" it brings to the earth is a heavy weight to carry.

Big Island

While the sun is trying to peek through in spots, the Big Island is still under a Flood Watch through this afternoon. The ground is so saturated right now that even a light shift in the wind could send more mud sliding.

Kauai & Molokai 

They dodged the absolute worst but are still dealing with heavy runoff and flash flood advisories as the tail end of the system drags across the chain.

Hawaii is resilient, but this one left a mark. If you’re on the islands, stay off the backroads and keep an eye on the National Weather Service—this system isn't totally out of the neighborhood yet.

How to support recovery efforts

The road to rebuilding will be long, and financial support is the most effective way to help community-led organizations pivot to meet changing needs.

• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA): Launched the Kākoʻo Oʻahu fund specifically to provide financial and housing assistance to families displaced by these floods. They are currently running a $100,000 matching campaign.

• Hawaiʻi Community Foundation: Activated the Stronger Hawaiʻi Fund, designed to move resources quickly and flexibly across all islands where the need is greatest.

• The Salvation Army (Hawaiian & Pacific Islands): Deploying emergency teams to provide meals and essential supplies to those in shelters across Oahu and Maui.

• Hawaii Farmers Union Foundation: Supporting rural and agricultural AANHPI communities through the Hawaii Flood Response Fund, helping small farmers recover lost crops and livestock.

“It appears that we will enter a more benign weather phase, once the flood threat diminishes over the next day or so,” saud Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda during a press conference “We do not see a significant threat for the next week and half. Beyond that, it is difficult to predict.”

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Miami Open: Jessica Pegula advances to Round of 16 be beating Lylah Fernandez

Ranked No. 4, Jessica Pegula says the match was "some of the best tennis I've played."

While most media focused on Alexandra Eala's remarkable run at the Miami Open, today featured a match between Korean American Jessica Pegula and Filipino Canadian Leylah Fernandez with Pegula advancing to the next round.

The high-stakes matchup showcased two of the most prominent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) figures in professional tennis. Pegula, whose mother was born in Seoul, dominated the baseline to secure a convincing 6-2, 6-2 victory over Fernandez, whose father is of Ecuadorian descent and mother is of Filipino heritage.

AAPI excellence on Center Court

The world No. 4 proved why she is a perennial contender, using her flat, powerful groundstrokes to keep Fernandez on the defensive. Her win marks the sixth straight year she has reached the Miami Open Round of 16.

Pegula described her game as "some of the best tennis I've played."

Despite the scoreline, the young Filipino Canadian star showed flashes of the grit that took her to the 2021 US Open final. However, she struggled to find answers for Pegula’s nearly flawless first serve, which saw the American win 88% of those points.

While the tournament has been abuzz with the historic performance of Filipina 20-year old Eala, this clash between Pegula and Fernandez underscores the growing depth and influence of the AAPI community at the highest levels of the sport.

Pegula now moves on to face No. 35-ranked Jaqueline Cristian on Monday, 7 p.m.

Quick exit for Naomi Osaka

It’s a tough beat for Naomi Osaka and her legions of fans. The four-time Slam champ is officially out of the 2026 Miami Open after a stunner in the second round.

Despite coming in as the 16th seed, Osaka couldn't find her rhythm against Talia Gibson, an Aussie qualifier who took the match 7–5, 6–4. Naomi’s serve was there—she hammered home 13 aces—but she just couldn't break Gibson, going 0-for-4 on break chances.

But the real story is what happened off the court. After the loss, fan favorite Osaka  got real about the "dilemma" she’s facing. She admitted it’s getting harder and harder to leave her daughter, Shai, for the grind of the tour. She basically told reporters that if she isn't winning, the sacrifice of being away from home isn't worth it.

Add in a lingering back injury that forced her to pull out of the Charleston Open, and the retirement rumors are starting to swirl again. For now, the plan is to rest up and try to regroup for the clay-court season in Europe.

FYI: In the Miami Open's round of 16, the Philippines' Alexandre Eala meets Karolina Muchova Monday, March 23, 11 a.m. EDT.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Filipino tennis star makes the round of 16 in Miami

The Philippines flag was unfurled after Alex Eala clinced her victory.

The "Eala Effect" is officially back in Florida! Alex Eala of the Philippines just punched her ticket to the Round of 16 at the Miami Open, taking down Poland’s Magda Linette in a gritty 6-3, 7-6(2) battle.

After taking the first set, 6-3, Eala, ranked No 39, found herself ins a battle of resilience in the second set. After Linette gained a 5-4 lead. Eala responded with a 15-shot rally where she was running from corner to corner and ending when Linette tried a drop shot but the fast-reacting Filipino was able to return the ball for the win to tie the set.

This upcoming Round of 16 clash will be the first head-to-head meeting with Karolina Muchova, the tournament's 13th seed. Muchova brings a crafty, all-court game that will be a massive litmus test for the 20-year-old Filipina. Eala is currently hunting for her first career WTA win against a Czech opponent, losing 11 matches to the well-trained Czech tennis pipeline.

        FYI: Alexandre Eala meets Karolina Muchova Monday, March 23, 11 a.m. EDT.

It was a year ago when Eala burst into the tennis world, usually dominated by players from Europe, the US and Australia by reaching the final four stage of the tournament.

Eala reached the semifinals of the 2025 Miami Open before losing to Jessica Pegula, 7-6, 5-7, 6-3. This historic run made her the first Filipino tennis player to reach the final four of a WTA 1000 event, having defeated top players including Grand Slam winners Madison Keys and Iga Świątek, rising from world number 140 to 75.

She entered this year's Miami Open ranked No. 29 earning her a first-round bye. In her first match, Eala beat Laura Siegemund in a marathon three sets.

For the FilAm community and the massive "Pinoy Power" contingent in South Florida, this win felt like a statement. Every time Eala stepped to the line, the chants of "Laban!" (Fight!)  echoed through the stands. It’s that unwavering Filipino support that Eala often credits as her "extra lung" during these deep tournament runs. Whether it’s at the Hard Rock Stadium or halfway across the world, the diaspora shows up, and Eala continues to carry that flag with massive pride.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

Expansion, not job cuts: AAPI CEO says American bosses miss the point of AI

In the latest dispatches from the front lines of the silicon revolution, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is challenging the boardroom status quo with a message that’s as much about human potential as it is about processing power. 

Huang, who famously co-founded NVIDIA at a San Jose Denny’s in 1993, is calling out executives who see artificial intelligence merely as a tool for cutting heads. To Huang, using the "most powerful tool in human history" simply to reduce headcount isn't just a strategy—it’s a profound "lack of imagination." He argues that visionary leaders should be looking to do more with the talent they have, rather than figuring out how to do the same with less.

This philosophy of resilience and expansion is deeply rooted in Huang’s own journey as a Taiwanese immigrant. Arriving in the US at age nine with limited English, he was mistakenly sent to a Kentucky reform academy where he spent his days cleaning toilets and dodging bullies. 

Those early years, followed by graveyard shifts as a dishwasher and waiter at Denny's, forged the "grit" he now demands from modern leadership. 

For Huang, who survived two near-bankruptcies at NVIDIA by betting everything on unproven tech, the current AI boom is a moment for expansion, not retreat. He views every company as a future "AI factory," one that requires leaders to foster a "messy garden" of innovation rather than maintaining strict command and control.

Huang’s advice to CEOs is to embrace a future where human employees are amplified by "digital humans" and AI agents. 

He predicts a workforce where the metric of success shifts; for example, he suggests that if high-level engineers aren't consuming half their salary’s worth in AI tokens, they aren't working at their full potential. 

Ultimately, he believes that while AI will transform every role, it will be a net job creator—as long as leaders have the courage to stop obsessing over immediate ROI and start investing in the "superhuman" capabilities AI offers their teams.

This philosophy of resilience and expansion is deeply rooted in Huang’s own journey as a Taiwanese immigrant. Arriving in the US at age nine with limited English, he was mistakenly sent to a Kentucky reform academy where he spent his days cleaning toilets and dodging bullies. 

Those early years, followed by graveyard shifts as a dishwasher and waiter at Denny's, forged the "grit" he now demands from modern leadership. 

For Huang, who survived two near-bankruptcies at NVIDIA by betting everything on unproven tech, the current AI boom is a moment for expansion, not retreat. He views every company as a future "AI factory," one that requires leaders to foster a "messy garden" of innovation rather than maintaining strict command and control.

Crucially, but overlooked by most media, Huang’s vision extends beyond the engineering lab and into the heart of the humanities. He has recently suggested that the "digital divide" is closing because AI allows anyone to communicate with a computer using their native tongue—the ultimate "human language." 

For the philosopher, the historian, and the artist, AI acts as a bridge, translating complex data into the narratives and ethical frameworks that make a society worth living in. 

By automating the drudgery of research and data sorting, AI frees the humanistic mind to focus on empathy, moral reasoning, and the "why" behind our progress. 

In Huang’s world, a technologically advanced society is hollow without the context provided by those who study the human condition; AI simply gives them a more powerful megaphone to ensure the future remains deeply, fundamentally human.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

In the latest dispatches from the front lines of the silicon revolution, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is challenging the boardroom status quo with a message that’s as much about human potential as it is about processing power. Huang, who famously co-founded NVIDIA at a San Jose Denny’s in 1993, is calling out executives who see artificial intelligence merely as a tool for cutting heads. 

To Huang, using the most powerful tool in human history simply to reduce headcount isn't just a strategy—it’s a profound "lack of imagination." He argues that visionary leaders should be looking to do more with the talent they have, rather than figuring out how to do the same with less.

This philosophy of resilience and expansion is deeply rooted in Huang’s own journey as a Taiwanese immigrant. Arriving in the U.S. at age nine with limited English, he was mistakenly sent to a Kentucky reform academy where he spent his days cleaning toilets and dodging bullies. Those early years, followed by graveyard shifts as a dishwasher and waiter at Denny's, forged the "grit" he now demands from modern leadership. For Huang, who survived two near-bankruptcies at NVIDIA by betting everything on unproven tech, the current AI boom is a moment for expansion, not retreat. He views every company as a future "AI factory," one that requires leaders to foster a "messy garden" of innovation rather than maintaining strict command and control.

Crucially, Huang’s vision extends beyond the engineering lab and into the heart of the humanities. He has recently suggested that the "digital divide" is closing because AI allows anyone to communicate with a computer using their native tongue—the ultimate "human language." For the philosopher, the historian, and the artist, AI acts as a bridge, translating complex data into the narratives and ethical frameworks that make a society worth living in. By automating the drudgery of research and data sorting, AI frees the humanistic mind to focus on empathy, moral reasoning, and the "why" behind our progress. In Huang’s world, a technologically advanced society is hollow without the context provided by those who study the human condition; AI simply gives them a more powerful megaphone to ensure the future remains deeply, fundamentally human.

Would you like to see a breakdown of AI research tools specifically designed for humanities scholars and ethical AI development?

Tennis star's 'Eala Effect' brings the Filipino Diaspora back to the Miami Open

Alexandra Eala''s takes time to thank her Filipino fans.

Tennis sensation Alexandra  Eala beat the legendary Novak Djokovic, former No. 1 tennis player. Not on the courts but online.

It’s time to stop calling Alex Eala a "rising star" and start calling her what she actually is: a global phenomenon.

As we roll through March 2026, the 20-year-old Filipina sensation isn't just winning matches; she’s recalibrating the entire ecosystem of professional tennis. From the hard courts of Melbourne to the desert heat of Indian Wells, the "Eala Effect" is in full swing, and the tennis establishment is scrambling to keep up with the sheer magnitude of her orbit.

She took another step towards superstar status Thursday at the Miami Open with a grueling three-hour, 20-minute marathon victory over German veteran Laura Siegemund, winning 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-3. 

But let’s be real — the real show was in the stands. The turnout of Filipino American  fans was absolutely unprecedented for an opening-round match, with a sea of Pinoy pride turning the atmosphere electric. It’s official: whenever Eala steps on court, the local fans give her a home-court advantage.

She's learning to handle hernew-found fame. "It was a little surprising, definitely, because it’s hard to see yourself as that ‘famous’ when you have just been you for your whole life.

“But once you get past that, you learn to really enjoy it because the atmosphere is really different when there’s a full stadium.”

It was a year ago at the Miami tournament when Eala broke into the professional ranks when she began attracting attention when she basically came out of nowhere to gain the reputation as a giant-slayer. She defeated three consecutive Grand Slam champions—Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and the signature win of her career, a stunning upset of world No. 2 Iga Świątek.

She became the first Philippines-born player to ever reach a WTA 1000 semifinal and enters Miami ranked No. 39 in the world.

She followed up Miami with a debut at the US Open where it first became apparent to a national audience that she had a strong fan base. Filipinos in New York, especially the nearby Queens borough where Little Manila is located, jammed the courts where she was playing to cheeer her on, giving her the emotional lift of being the hometown favorite.

Her genuine reaction using a Filipino exclamation when she won her first match at the US Open last summer created a viral meme and adopted and popularized by TikTok singers and social media influencers.

Her future is bright

Industry insiders and former ATP mainstays like Sam Querrey and Steve Johnson have been caught in a heated debate lately over a question that would have seemed unthinkable a few years ago: Is Eala a bigger box-office draw than heavyweights like Coco Gauff or Aryna Sabalenka? The numbers don’t lie.

What’s truly surprising the tennis world isn't just her grit on the court—it’s the math. During the 2026 Australian Open, digital engagement for her pre-tournament presser (roughly 173,000 views) nearly doubled the numbers for former No. 1-ranked Novak Djokovic. Think about that: a 20-year-old from Quezon City is out-drawing the greatest of all time in the digital arena.

Alex Eala's "rock-star" popularity has surprised the tennis world.

Tournament directors in Abu Dhabi and Doha have been forced to tear up their schedules, moving Eala’s matches from the back courts to center stage just to safely house the throngs of fans. ESPN has even likened her traveling gallery to Taylor Swift’s "Eras Tour," noting that fans are braving freezing midnight temperatures just for a glimpse of the left-hander from Quezon City.

This "rockstar" status is backed by some serious corporate muscle, most notably from Nike. The Swoosh didn't just sign her; they've made her a centerpiece of their global marketing strategy, recognizing that her appeal transcends the baseline. By positioning Eala alongside icons like Naomi Osaka, Nike is betting big on her as the face of a new, diverse generation of athletes.

Marketing gurus are already drawing parallels between Eala and the legendary Li Na, noting that Alex is single-handedly unlocking the Southeast Asian market—a sleeping giant in the tennis world. This isn't just about selling sneakers; it's about a massive cultural shift where a Pinay is the one setting the trends on and off the court.

While her digital footprint is staggering—her Australian Open press conference views reportedly doubled those of Novak Djokovic—she’s earning just as much respect for her poise.

Even in high-stakes losses to top-tier opponents, Eala’s maturity and sportsmanship have made her a locker-room favorite, proving she has the temperament to match her hype.

Back home in the Philippines, the impact is nothing short of a revolution. We’re seeing a legitimate tennis frenzy that has left Manila’s public courts packed to capacity and rackets flying off the shelves. This "Eala-mania" culminated earlier this year when the Philippines hosted its first-ever WTA 125 tournament, a milestone that seemed like a pipe dream before Alex broke through.

Coming up next

Her next match is Saturday where she will meet a familiar foe, Magda Linette, ranked No. 50 in the world. Linette and Eala are no strangers to each other. The Polish veteran won their first two encounters—at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Open (7-6, 6-1) and the 2025 Nottingham Open (6-4, 6-3).

However, Eala claimed the most recent meeting earlier this year, defeating Linette 6-3, 6-2 in the quarterfinals of the ASB Classic in Aukland, New Zealand.

This "Eala-mania" culminated earlier this year when the Philippines hosted its first-ever WTA 125 tournament, a milestone that seemed like a pipe dream before Alex broke through. She isn't just playing for herself anymore; she’s carrying the aspirations of an entire nation and the millions of Filipinos around the world on her shoulders, and so far, she hasn’t missed a beat.

Eala isn’t just climbing the WTA rankings; she’s hijacking the sport’s global radar. If you’re looking for the next big thing in tennis, stop looking at the traditional powerhouses and start looking at the Philippines.

In an interview with The Times, Eala expressed her gratitude for the support she receives  from the tennis world, but especially the cheers from her kababayan.

“It’s such a good thing to have and I’m super grateful,” Eala, said in an interview with The Times . “I’m happy that (Filipinos) are being exposed to tennis. At the end of the day, it’s just a way for us to bond and show pride in our culture. We’re very proud of where we come from. I haven’t seen that shared sense of pride in a lot of other communities, so that’s one of the things that makes us special."

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

The death toll of Asian immigrants in ICE Custody is growing: Part 2 of 2

Family and supporters of Parady La demand answers after he died while detained by ICE.

The numbers are in, and they paint a grim picture of what’s happening in our detention centers. In what’s being called the deadliest year in two decades, at least 12 Asian immigrants have lost their lives while in the custody of federal agents between 2024 and early 2026.

ICE agents arrested Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal around 7 a.m. on Friday, March 13, outside his apartment in Richardson, Texas. His family reported that masked agents detained him as he was preparing to drive his children to school.

“His children watched as he was surrounded and taken away,” the family said in a statement. “That moment will stay with them forever.”

A day after being arrested, Paktyawal died, of "unknown causes," according to an ICE press release. He was the twelth Asian to die while in ICE custody.

“We cannot understand how this happened. He was only 41 years old and was a strong and healthy man,” his family said.

        RELATED: ICE's wide net catching Asian Americans: Part 1 of 2

ICE described him as "illegal criminal alien,"  but he was never charged and never convicted, say his supporters.

Paktyawal was a refugee who fought for 10 years with US Special Forces in Afghanistan. When the US left Afghanistan, he and his family were allowed to apply for asylum.

The Trump regime has effectively shut refugee pathways for Afghans, curtailing the US refugee programe and instead giving preference to white South Africans.

The administration also ended temporary protected status for Afghans, leaving an estimated 11,700 Afghans in the US without protection from deportation, according to the organisation Global Refuge.

Refugee dies after being abandoned by ICE

Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, was one of the latest victims of federal agents carrying out the orders of Donald Trump and his hatchet man Stephen Miller.Shah Alam sas released from custody on Feb. 19. A Rohingya refugee with legal status in the United States, his body was found Feb. 26. According to publicly available reporting and information provided by his family, Shah Alam was nearly blind, did not speak English, and was unable to independently navigate transportation after being released miles from his family residence.

“Nurul Amin Shah Alam should be alive today. He is dead because US Border Patrol agents abandoned a blind refugee miles away from home and then lied to cover it up. Video footage proves that Mr. Alam was left outside of a coffee shop that was closed, not a ‘warm, safe location’ as they claimed," said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

"The Department of Homeland Security’s cruelty, callousness, and indifference to human life is absolutely sickening," the New York congressmember continued. "As members of Congress, we demand answers and justice for his family. The Department of Homeland Security must be held accountable.” 

The death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal and Shah Alam are just the latest deaths of Asian American detainees in the first two months of 2026. The other two deaths this year so far include: 

• Lorth Sim (59, Cambodia): Passed away Feb. 16, 2026, at the Miami Correctional Facility in Indiana.
• Parady La (46, Cambodia): Died Jan. 9, 2026, in Philadelphia while reportedly being treated for drug withdrawal.

Asian American deaths in Trump's first year

These aren’t just statistics; they are members of our community whose stories were cut short. Eight other Asians died while in custody of Donald Trump's immigration enforcement officers in 2024 and 2025:

• Shiraz Fatehali Sachwani (61, Pakistan): Died Dec. 6, 2025.

• Kai Yin Wong (63, China): Died Oct. 25, 2025, in San Antonio after heart surgery complications.

• Huabing Xie (53, China): Died Sept. 29, 2025, after a seizure at the Imperial Regional Detention Facility in California.

• Chaofeng Ge (32, China): Died Aug. 5, 2025, in Pennsylvania; a death his family is still seeking answers for through a lawsuit.

• Tien Xuan Phan (55, Vietnam): Died July 19, 2025, following a hospitalization for seizures.

• Nhon Ngoc Nguyen (Vietnam): Died in 2025.

• Jaspal Singh (57, India) and Pankaj Karan Singh Kataria (60, India): Both died in late 2024.

Community advocates like Stop AAPI Hate point to medical neglect and language barriers as a "human rights crisis" within these facilities.

An Asian American mother joins a memorial for her son and others who died in ICE custody.

The scale of the surge

The crackdown hasn't just been about those who have died; the entire system has seen a massive ramp-up:

• Asians in custody: As of early 2026, the number of Asian immigrants held in detention has ballooned. Between January and mid-October 2025 alone, 7,069 Asian individuals were detained. This is part of a broader trend where total ICE detention reached a record high of over 68,000 people by February 2026.

• Already deported: From January 20 to mid-October 2025, 2,631 Asian individuals were removed from the country.

• Who is being targeted?: Despite the rhetoric of targeting "criminals," recent data shows a "supermajority"—between 74% and 84%—of Asian detainees in 2025 had no prior criminal convictions. The top countries of origin for these arrests include China (30%), India (28%), and Vietnam (15%).

Southeast Asians targeted

In the wake of Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, Asian Americans and Asian immigrants in Minneapolis are living in fear, afraid to leave their homes without carrying their passports and worried they could be detained or deported at any moment. ICE agents have reportedly asked Minnesota residents to tell them where their Asian neighbors live.

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul is home to one of the largest Hmong American communities, most of whom are refugees because their family members aided or fought for US forces in the Vietnam War. As legal refugees, they were given Temporary Protected Status visas.

“Southeast Asian communities are being systematically targeted. Immigration enforcement knows where they live. People are not getting the medical support they need, workers are refusing to go to work, and families are living in hiding. Survivors of violence and refugees who fled war are being retraumatized. That’s no way to live,” said Xay Yang, executive director of Transforming Generations.

“Southeast Asian American communities have been dealing with ICE violence for decades, with more than 15,000 people living under deportation orders to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. We know that the problem isn’t new—but the scale is. In 2025 alone, nearly 900 individuals were deported to Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, compared to an average of about 90 per year between 1996 and 2023," said Quyen Đình, Executive Director of the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC).

“My people consider being Hmong to be synonymous with being free, because of our resilience and survival, despite a history of persecution from ruling governments in the many places where we have migrated for thousands of years. It deeply saddens me that Trump and federal leaders are choosing to mark the 250 years of our beautiful country by undermining our democracy and taking away our human and civil rights,” said Minnesota State Representative Liz Lee, Secretary of the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislators. 

“For the Karen communities in my district and across Minnesota, the loss of Temporary Protected Status and the burden of immigration re-vetting interviews are placing immense strain on families. We will continue to organize and gather to ensure that all of our legal rights are observed and respected.”

View from the edge

The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) racial profiling and aggressive enforcement practices have resulted in trauma, family separation, and death. 

2025 was recorded as the deadliest year for ICE in over two decades, with deaths nearly tripling from 2024 as the detained population reached record highs of over 68,000.

“Forty people have died in ICE custody since the President took office last year. These are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of lawlessness and moral decay that has come to define the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and it is our communities that are suffering,” said Meng. 

“We must rein in DHS and take every action to protect our communities, like passing the Southeast Asian Deportation Relief Act, which would end the deportation of Southeast Asian American refugees and provide a pathway for them to live and work in the United States. CAPAC is proud to champion this legislation.”

It's only March and we have nine more months to go. At the current rate, we are at a looking at 12 more Asian American deaths as a result of ICE activities by year's end. How many more must die before someone is held accountable?

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

ICE's wide net captures AAPI, even American citizens: Part 1 of 2

One of ICE's major goof-ups was the arrest of 300 South Korean workers at a
Hyundai plant under construction in Georgia.

To the Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who supported Donald Trump, the latest data from a UCLA study serves as a devastating reality check, revealing that ICE arrests of Asian immigrants more than tripled in 2025 compared to the previous year. 

The study by the UCLA Asian American Studies Center and the Center for Neighborhood Knowledge found that Asian Americans are just as likely to be arrested and detained by immigration enforcement agents than Latinos, who make up a majority of the detainees.

That vulnerability was hammered home with the March 13 death of Mohammad Nazeer Paktyawal while in the custody of ICE, the third Asian American detainee death in the first three months of 2026.

This spike is the direct result of the Trump administration's "mass deportation" policy, designed by Stephen Miller, which has shifted from targeting criminals to an indiscriminate dragnet, with 74% to 84% of detainees having no prior criminal convictions.

It doesn't matter if you're an American citizen, green card holder, a refugee who is here legally, a worker with special skills, or if you have a student or visitor visa, Trump's radical Supreme Court says ICE can detain anyone without an ounce of evidence simply on the color of one's skin or if someone speaks with an accent.

FYI: Research briefs from the UCLA Asian American Studies Center (AASC) and the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge (CNK)

Research from the UCLA Asian American Studies Center confirms that ICE arrests of Asian immigrants more than tripled in 2025, with 74% to 84% of those detained having no criminal convictions, driven by a quota-driven, indiscriminate dragnet [1.1].

The human toll of this policy is fatal, with five Asian immigrants among the 32 people who died in ICE custody in 2025, including 55-year-old Nhon Ngoc Nguyen, as the system expands its targeting of vulnerable populations.

Even though Chaofeng Ge's hands and feet were tied behind him, ICE unbelievably, ruled his
death a suicide disputed by his brother Yanfeng Ge (above).

This targeted surge — including a 471% increase in the detention of Asian women—demonstrates that the "America First" agenda is actively dismantling AAPI communities in states like California, Texas, and New York. Between January and mid-October 2025 alone, 7,069 Asian individuals have been detained.

        RELATED: 12 Asian Americans have died in ICE custody 

With the administration aiming for a million deportations annually, these findings, highlighting a 96% detention rate, expose the fallacy that any segment of the immigrant community is safe from the Trump-Miller agenda.

Other highlights of the study include:

• In the first week of June 2025, Asian arrests were nearly nine times higher than the same week in 2024.

• There was a notable 471% increase in the number of female Asian detainees, and the median age of detainees rose from 35 to 40

• Five countries accounted for roughly 80% of all Asian ICE arrests: China (30%), India (26–28%), Vietnam (15%), Laos (6%), and Nepal (3%).

•  Nearly half of all arrests occurred in just three states: California (which saw a ninefold jump), Texas, and New York.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

ICE in Irvine opposed by Asian American residents, students and politicians

For a long time, Irvine was seen as the "safe" suburban dream—the master-planned capital of the Asian American middle class. But that dream is feeling more like a nightmare lately. 

Long the bastion of Republican conservatism in deep Blue California, at first glance, the City of Irvine and Orange County might appear to be a friendly locale for ICE facilities.

However, the news that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has set up shop in a tower block near the 2000 block of Main Street has sent a shockwave through a community that’s 45% Asian.

ICE claims the office building will be used by street level agents and lawyers allaying community fears that it would be a detention facility.

This isn't just about a new office; it's about a shifting frontline. While the national narrative often ignores Asian Americans in the immigration debate, the data tells a different story.

"The establishment of an ICE office in Irvine sends a threatening message to thousands of Irvine families: you are being watched, and you are not safe," said Irvine Councilmember Kathleet Treseder.

"When agents conduct enforcement operations that tear parents from children and neighbors from their homes, that is not “public safety.” That is trauma. That is destabilization. That is fear tactics," she posted on social media.

Stop AAPI Hate reports that ICE arrests of people from Asian and Pacific Islander (A/PI) countries quadrupled between 2024 and 2025. For a community where 65% are foreign-born, the sight of tactical gear in the "safest city in America" is a loud wake-up call that nobody is immune.

What the City is Saying: "Our Hands are Tied"

City Hall is trying to play it both ways—expressing "surprise" while admitting they can't do much to stop a federal lease.

Mayor Larry Agran has been vocal about the lack of communication from federal agencies, criticizing ICE for not being transparent about their operations near childcare centers and gyms.

The City of Irvine released statements clarifying that the Irvine Police Department (IPD) is not involved in federal enforcement. They’ve even activated an Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation and launched a legal resource page for residents.

Federal officials insist these aren't "broad raids" but targeted operations for specific individuals with criminal records. But for families watching neighbors being taken away in "30 seconds," that distinction feels pretty thin.

However, as we have seen in other parts of the country, undertrained agents unfamiliar with the Constitution and the law, have flouted the civil rights of immigrants and US citizens, detaining anyone whom they "suspect" of being an undocumented immigrant based on one's accent or the color of their skin.

UC Irvine: The student resistance

The UC Irvine campus,  58%  of its student body is of Asian descent, is a cornerstone of the local Asian American community, is officially on high alert.

The New University Editorial Board of the campus newspaper has been blunt, warning that while UCI is a "sanctuary" in spirit, the university cannot legally bar federal agents from campus property.

Students are particularly worried about the revocation of student visas as a tool to silence political activism.

We aren't just seeing fear; we're seeing fight. Hundreds of students from UCI and local high schools like Northwood and Portola have staged walkouts, proving that the next generation isn't interested in the "quiet" model minority stereotype.

The Bottom Line

ICE is bad for business. A recent UCI survey found that there was a$59 million loss in revenue in Orange County since ICE stepped up its activities. Some of that loss is also due to the poor the economic conditions that is affecting entire country.

"What we're hearing from businesses is deeply concerning," said Raiven Greenberg, policy coordinator for the Social Impact Hub who created the survey. "Owners in sectors from hospitality to retail are telling us that their customers are afraid to come out.

"You see the streets are dormant, businesses are empty, people are scared and people are hiding," said OC Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento said. "That is not a formula for a healthy workplace."

Is ICE targeting Asians? The numbers say enforcement is ramping up, and the "model minority" myth won't provide a shield. Whether it's at a scheduled immigration interview or a local business near Bake Parkway, the community is learning the hard way that when the enforcement machine expands, everyone is at risk.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge. 

FilAm cinematographer wins historic Oscar; "Demon Hunters" continues award-winning run

SCREEN CAPTURE

Autumn Durald Arkapaw's Oscar victory made history.

The 98th Academy Awards wasn't just a night of glitz; it was a powerful reminder that there's a pool of talented Asian Americans that Hollywood is just starting to recognize.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s Oscar for Best Cinematography for her work on Sinners is historic as the first woman to win in that category.

Arkapaw, 46, is of Filipino descent on her mother’s side and African American Creole on her father’s side. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, she was immersed in the local Filipino community, often spending time with her aunties and cousins in Fremont.

Named after her father’s favorite movie, Cheyenne Autumn, she eventually became the first woman to shoot a feature film in both Ultra Panavision 70 and IMAX 15-perf film formats.

Before her Oscar-winning work on Sinners, she built an impressive resume including Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and the Emmy-nominated series Loki.

Her mother was in the audience. During her emotional acceptance speech, Arkapaw looked toward her and credited her for her success, stating, "This little girl that—their mother, who is over there, told them that they could do anything—had to meet Ryan (Coogler)," the movie's director and producer.

In accepting her statuette, she asked all the women in the audience to stand up, saying she wouldn’t be there winning an award if it wasn’t for them. “I feel like I don’t get here without you guys,” Arkapaw said. “I really, really, truly mean that.”

Speaking to the press after accepting her Oscar, she said: "I’ve learned over the past few months going through this process that it does take a village to make stuff like this happen. But this isn’t about me anymore. This is about so much more, and I know that, and I wanted it for all the ladies in the room, and I wanted it for all the girls at home.

“The one thing I was going to say that I have written down was that a lot of little girls that look like me will sleep really well tonight, and I know that," she added. "Just that, just being on stage getting this award for a movie like that will change so many girls’ lives, because they’ll be inspired when they weren’t before.”

Arkapaw is not the first Oscar winner of Filipino descent. She was preceded by:

• Robert Lopez (2014, 2018): Best Original Song ("Let It Go", "Remember Me").
• Gigi Dement, Stephen Dypiangco, & Stefanie Walmsley (2011): Produced God of Love (Best Live Action Short Film).
• H.E.R. (Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson) (2021): Best Original Song ("Fight for You" from Judas and the Black Messiah).

More AAPI Oscar winners and contenders

Beyond Arkapaw, the 2026 Oscars showcased a diverse array of AAPI talent that dominated key categories:

Maggie Kang and Michelle L.M. Wong made history as the first Asian women to win Best Animated Feature for K-Pop: Demon Hunters. 

Director Kang began her acceptance in tears. “For those of you who look like me, I’m so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this,” she said. “This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”

The Oscar was the latest honor bestowed on the feature, having won in the Golden Globes, Critics Choice, and Producers awards earlier this year.

The songwriting team of Korean Americans EJAE, Ido, and Teddy Park took home Best Original Song for the global hit from Demon Hunters, "Golden," marking the first time a K-pop track has ever won an Academy Award.

SCREEN CAPTURE

"Golden" was one of two musical productions during the Oscar awards night with
dancers dressed in Korean hanboks

While EJAE, Rei Ami and Audrey Nuna acted as the singing voices for the film’s trio of main characters, while Arden Cho, May Hong and Ji-young Yoo were the speaking voices for the characters for the animated feature, Netflix's most viewed show last year.

“[I’m) so, so proud to be Korean. Growing up, people didn’t know where Korea was or what Korea was, and that’s why it’s so incredible to have the song ‘Golden’ being sung all over the world, singing the Korean lyrics word by word,” EJAE told the media after the show.

“It means so much and I think this award is about that representation,” she continued. “Today is about celebrating culture and music that unites all culture, and we need that right now. It’s a great honor to have.”

The Best Picture Oscar went to One Battle After Another; Best Actor went to Sinners' Michael B. Jordan; and Best Actress went to Hamnet's Jessie Buckley and Best Director went to Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another.

        FYI: Click here for complete list of winners.

It should be noted that there were only two musical productions during the telecast: one from Black-oriented Sinners and the other from K-pop Demon Hunters, perhaps an attempt by the Academy to showcase more diversity to counter the criticism of the awards show being too white-centric.

“This year, our music performances are inspired by two of the most powerful cultural phenomena in film: Sinners, the most nominated film in Oscars history, and K-Pop Demon Hunters, a global pop culture sensation,” noted the show's Executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor and executive producer Katy Mullan.

At the 2026 Oscars, Chloé Zhao was back in the spotlight with a Best Director nomination for her latest masterpiece, Hamnet. While she didn't take home the statue tonight, she remains a monumental part of this conversation as the first Asian woman to ever win Best Director (for Nomadland in 2021).  Even without the win this time, her continued presence at the top of the game is a massive win for AAPI representation, proving that our creators aren't just "one-hit wonders" — they are becoming the new establishment.

EDITOR'S NOTE: For additional commentary, news, views and chismis from an AANHPI perspective, follow me on Threads, on X, BlueSky or at the blog Views From the Edge.