Opposing Mass Deportation: What We Can Learn From the Resistance to Japanese Internment

On May 2, 2025, during World War II, Japanese-Americans were incarcerated in the US, and the public showed solidarity and community defense to support them. The tactics used back then are still relevant today.

The Matsuda family in Oakland, California, displayed a sign saying “I AM AN AMERICAN” outside their store after the Pearl Harbor attacks before being relocated and detained as Japanese Americans. The ongoing unveiling of anti-immigrant measures by the US government has been astonishingly disturbing. Despite expectations, each new violation of human rights, breach of the constitution, mistreatment, and cruelty towards immigrants—both documented and undocumented—seems to be increasingly inhumane.

While it was anticipated that Trump would carry out mass deportations, ICE is struggling to execute them and is targeting law-abiding community members. Families are being torn apart as long-standing undocumented residents are taken into custody. Legitimate visas are being abruptly canceled, and the right to seek asylum is being restricted as if the US is not obligated to consider asylum claims. Legal immigration avenues are narrowing, and even temporary visitors with visas are being detained. ICE agents are resorting to aggressive tactics such as breaking car windows and forcefully removing individuals from their vehicles. Shockingly, the US unlawfully sent 238 men to a forced labor prison in El Salvador without due process, many of whom did not warrant detention. Additionally, green cards are being revoked, a rare action only authorized by the secretary of state, and it has been acknowledged that this is happening due to pro-Palestinian speech, which many consider protected by the First Amendment.

In the face of such overwhelming power, violence, and disregard for the law, many wonder what they can do to help. While reaching out to congressional representatives or senators is a common strategy, the effectiveness of such actions may be limited in certain areas. In deeply conservative states like Idaho, where incumbents uphold the Republican agenda, contacting representatives may not lead to significant change. It is crucial to continue engaging with legislators, but additional efforts are needed beyond this approach.

The mistreatment of immigrants in the US is being justified under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, reminiscent of the internment of Japanese immigrants during World War II. The support shown by citizens towards the interned Japanese-Americans during that time serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for immigrants today.

The current situation calls for public declarations of support for immigrants of all statuses, challenging anti-immigrant sentiments, and advocating for immigrant rights through various means. These include rejecting the narrative of “good” versus “bad” immigrants, supporting immigrants in the community, attending rights training sessions, and fostering a sense of solidarity with immigrants facing challenges. Amid these troubling times, drawing inspiration from past struggles and voices can guide efforts to combat injustices and promote inclusivity.