Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Demands Answers on ICE's Treatment of Asian Immigrants

Strategic Insights -

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Grace Meng and Representative Dave Min, along with 14 AAPI Members of Congress, have written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) demanding answers into the Trump administration's treatment of lawful permanent residents (LPR) and immigrants with lawful status who are of Asian descent. The letter highlights several cases of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders being detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and denied their constitutional rights, including access to legal counsel and due process.

Key Takeaways:

  • The letter specifically highlights the cases of Tae Heung "Will" Kim, Yeonsoo Go, Mrs. Lewelyn Dixon, Mr. Maximo Londonio, a Vietnamese father from Garden Grove Orange County, and Ms. Yunseo Chung, a South Korean student at Columbia University, who were all detained by CBP or ICE despite being lawful permanent residents or having lawful immigration status.
  • The lawmakers are demanding answers regarding the denial of legal counsel and constitutional rights to those in CBP custody, as well as the number of U.S. citizens and lawful residents detained since President Trump took office.
  • The letter notes that the U.S. Constitution provides important due process protections to all persons within the United States, regardless of immigration status, and that LPRs are entitled to these same protections.
  • The lawmakers are also requesting information on whether CBP has detained other students, faculty, or researchers associated with U.S. universities, and if so, provide a breakdown by institution, nationality, and legal status.
  • The letter highlights that CBP has violated its own National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS) guidance, which states that individuals in CBP custody should not be held for longer than 72 hours in CBP hold rooms or holding facilities.
  • The lawmakers are requesting responses to the following questions by August 22, 2025:

* Since January 20, 2025, how many U.S. citizens or LPRs have been detained by CBP or ICE?

* Since January 20, 2025, has CBP or ICE detained other students, faculty, or researchers associated with U.S. universities?

* Why are individuals detained by CBP for longer than the 72-hour limit outlined in the TEDS Standards?

* What legal grounding does CBP have to deny detainees access to legal counsel?

Statistics:

  • Over the past several months, multiple reports have emerged of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders being detained by CBP and ICE and denied their constitutional rights.
  • The letter notes that the U.S. Constitution provides important due process protections to all persons within the United States, regardless of immigration status.
  • The lawmakers are requesting information on the number of U.S. citizens and lawful residents detained since President Trump took office.
  • CBP has violated its own National Standards on Transport, Escort, Detention, and Search (TEDS) guidance, which states that individuals in CBP custody should not be held for longer than 72 hours in CBP hold rooms or holding facilities.

Sources:

  • Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Press Release - August 8, 2025
  • The Washington Post - July 29, 2025: "Scientist on green card detained for a week without explanation, lawyer says"
  • ABC News - July 29, 2025: "Korean PhD student detained in California despite green card, lawyer says"
  • NAKASEC Statement - July 29, 2025
  • AP News - March 25, 2025: "Columbia student protester can't be detained for now as she fights deportation, judge rules"
  • DHS Document - January 11, 2024: "Short Term Detention"