Immigration raids are no longer a distant threat for San Francisco’s Chinatown residents, and things are getting real. Federal agents are prowling the streets, sending chills down the spines of community members who thought they were safe.

A Community on Edge

Jose Ng, an immigrant rights organizer, has been warning folks about potential raids for months. Now, those warnings feel prophetic. With over 100 federal immigration agents dispatched to the Bay Area, the community is scrambling to protect itself.

Fear and Survival

Residents are taking drastic measures. Some are carrying green cards everywhere, while others are attending emergency workshops to understand their rights. Joyce Lam from the Chinese Progressive Association notes that many U.S. citizens and permanent residents are terrified of potential racial profiling.

Breaking the Silence

The immigration system’s complexity makes everything more challenging. One day you could be documented, the next undocumented. This uncertainty breeds a culture of silence, leaving vulnerable populations isolated and afraid. But community leaders like Ng are working to change that, empowering people with knowledge and support.