FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, FEBRUARY 24, 2025, LOS ANGELES, CA – Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s secretive and inhumane bridge deportations that are targeting migrants, including large numbers of South Asians and other nationals from Asian, Middle Eastern, and African countries, without transparency and accountability. The conditions in Panama and Costa Rica must meet international legal standards of health, safety, and human rights. We call on policymakers to ensure the following:
- Immediate transparency regarding the identities, numbers, and conditions of those deported.
- Full language access and legal representation for all individuals facing removal.
- Compliance with international human rights laws, including access to proper shelter, food, and medical care.
Connie Chung Joe, CEO, AJSOCAL further stated, “Entire planes full of South Asians and other AAPI migrants are being forcibly sent to foreign countries with little information, inadequate resources, and no legal representation. We cannot allow history to repeat itself with internment-style deportations. These rapid removals, conducted under a veil of secrecy, violate fundamental human rights, exacerbate fear in immigrant communities, and echo dark chapters of American history when people of color were forcibly removed and detained without without due process.”
BACKGROUND
The administration has reportedly begun deporting hundreds of undocumented migrants to Central America, including Panama, the Darien jungle, and Costa Rica, as part of a larger effort to expedite
removals. These deportations have raised serious concerns over language accessibility, legal representation, and the safety of those being forcibly relocated. The details of these removals include:
- Deportations to Panama and Costa Rica: Hundreds of migrants from India, China, Uzbekistan, Iran, Vietnam, Turkey, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Georgia, and Azerbaijan—including at least 65 minors—are being sent to Panama and Costa Rica.
- Lack of Transparency and Due Process: The removal of migrants to Central America lacks U.S. oversight, and there are no clear legal avenues for detainees to contest their removal. The U.S. government has planned at least 15,000 deportations in the coming months.
In the face of these ongoing attacks on immigrant communities, AJSOCAL remains dedicated in its commitment to protecting the rights of all people. We urge community members to stay informed about their legal rights which can be found here at www.ajsocal.org/immigration.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is dedicated to promoting equity and justice for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other underserved communities. Through direct legal services, advocacy, education, and coalition-building, AJSOCAL aims to create a more just and inclusive society.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Liana Liang, lliang@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0237
Liza Ameen, lameen@ajsocal.org, 213.241.0258
