Seeking AAPI Community Testimonies on Fear from Masked Enforcement Officers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, December 9, 2025, LOS ANGELES, CA- Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is preparing an amicus brief in support of Attorney General Bonta and the State of California’s position in United States v. California, defending SB 627 and SB 805—two laws that prohibit state and federal law enforcement officers from concealing their identities.
To oppose the Federal Government’s request for a preliminary injunction invalidating these laws, AJSOCAL is collecting stories from AAPI community members from Wednesday 12/10 to Friday 12/12. The details from these stories, anonymized to protect individuals who fear further harm, will help inform the amicus brief submitted in the Central District of California.
These bills were crafted in response to real incidents across California in which ICE agents wore masks, withheld their identities, and left families frightened and destabilized. Residents have reported traumatic encounters with masked federal agents who often did not communicate in a language they understood. “These experiences have been especially harmful for immigrant communities, including refugees, asylum seekers, and families carrying long histories of trauma involving masked state actors in their countries of origin,” said Sean F. Bigley, Director of Litigation, AJSOCAL.
AJSOCAL’s attorneys are focusing the story collection on the following areas:
- People who couldn’t understand or had difficulty understanding a masked agent because they are limited-English proficient or have a disability and couldn’t see the agent’s mouth or facial expressions.
- People who were terrified or robbed by someone posing as an unidentified agent.
- People who moved to the United States from a country where masked police intimidated or harmed the public.
Organizational leaders and journalists are also invited to share how masked immigration enforcement impacts their reporting and professional work. Participants can speak in the language they are most comfortable with; interpreters will be arranged as needed.
To share testimonies, please email litigation@ajsocal.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Alice Lee, (213) 977-7500 x257, alee@ajsocal.org
Liana Liang, (213) 977-7500 x237, lliang@ajsocal.org
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) is the nation’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). Founded in 1983, AJSOCAL supports over 15,000 individuals and organizations annually. By offering free legal help, engaging in impact litigation, conducting crucial research, and advocating for policy change, AJSOCAL prioritizes the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities while fostering a robust advocacy for civil rights and social justice. Offices are in downtown Los Angeles and Orange County, with satellite offices in Sacramento, ensuring accessibility for all. www.AJSOCAL.org
