Statement on ICE Raids in Manhattan’s Chinatown
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 2025
The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) condemns yesterday's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions detaining individuals in Manhattan’s Chinatown. These and other ICE raids happening across New York City are an alarming reminder of the fear and instability that federal enforcement continues to impose on families, small businesses, and neighborhoods built on resilience and mutual care. Further, the brutal treatment of those protecting community members and protesting ICE, as documented in videos and images, should not be tolerated.
For decades, Chinatown has been a refuge for generations of immigrants seeking safety, belonging, and opportunity. ICE raids in our communities shatter that sense of safety. They separate families, traumatize children, disrupt livelihoods, and send a chilling message to immigrant New Yorkers that they are targets rather than neighbors.
As an organization committed to racial equity and immigrant justice, CACF stands firmly with our community members, advocates, and allies in denouncing these raids and demanding accountability. No one should live in fear of walking to work, taking their child to school, or visiting their neighborhood market.
We call on:
Elected officials at every level to publicly oppose ICE operations that threaten New Yorkers’ rights and safety.
City and State leaders to expand protections for immigrant families, strengthen sanctuary commitments, and provide legal and social support for those impacted.
Community members to remain vigilant, document violations, and connect affected individuals to trusted community-based organizations and legal aid organizations.
Our city’s strength is rooted in its diversity and compassion. We refuse to let fear tactics and dehumanizing enforcement undo the decades of progress immigrant communities have fought to achieve.
CACF will continue to work alongside partners across New York City to ensure that Asian American, Pacific Islander, and immigrant families are protected, valued, and free from fear.
Together, we reaffirm a simple truth:
All New Yorkers deserve dignity, safety, and justice—no exceptions.
