LTSC’s Response to Armed CBP Presence in Little Tokyo

Yesterday, August 14, 2025, armed CBP (Customs and Border Patrol) agents were present in Little Tokyo at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM)’s plaza, mere yards away from where Governor Newsom and other federal, state and local elected officials were gathered for a press conference at JANM’s Democracy Center. Reports confirm at least one person was detained off the street. Yesterday’s situation was witnessed and documented by the Little Tokyo Rapid Response Network, consisting of community-based organizations and individuals including Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) staff. The Network provided support and resources to businesses, residents and community members affected by the incident.

It is no coincidence that this show of force occurred at the same time and place as Governor Newson’s press conference. And it is no coincidence that this unlawful and militarized kidnapping took place on the very corner where thousands of Japanese Americans were unlawfully and militarily assembled and incarcerated during WWII. As this administration concurrently threatens to erase national monuments like WWII Japanese American Incarceration Camps, we stand on the dangerous brink of history repeating itself. But our community knows the signs and the consequences all too well. And it’s our obligation to stand up when injustices target immigrant communities, like our community was targeted a mere 80 years ago. 

While we at LTSC remain outraged, we will not be shaken. We continue to adapt to, respond to and support our community’s needs, as we have for the past 45 years. Amidst this administration’s ongoing chaos and trauma, we urge our community to prioritize self care, stay focused, stay connected, and provide support where you can. Thank you to everyone who reached out and offered their support after yesterday’s events. Our community has proven its strength and resilience time and time again.

Resources to give and get support:

• Educate & Protect:
  • ACLU: Protesters’ rights
  • ACLU SoCal: If questioned by police, FBI, customs agents, or immigration officers
  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice SoCal: Immigrant rights resources
  • Asian Law Caucus: Immigrant rights resources
  • California Immigrant Policy Center: Detention and deportation resources
  • Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Hotline: Report ICE at 888-624-4752
  • Immigrant Defenders Law Center: Find an attorney
  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center: Know your rights toolkit
  • NAKASEC: Know Your Rights app
  • National Day Laborer Organizing Network:opens PDF file What to do if a loved one is arrested
  • Public Counsel: FAQs on nonprofit and small business rights with respect to ICE
• Nurture:
  • CT Stream: Free therapy stipend for 16-35 year olds
  • Little Tokyo Service Center’s social services: 213-473-3035
  • Department of Mental Health (DMH) Access Center: (800) 854-7771
  • CalHOPE: (833) 317-4673
• Fortify:
  • Shop small businesses in Little Tokyo and other communities of color
  • Support orgs with boots on the ground like our friends at Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) and National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA)
• Connect:
  • Demonstrate at NPCA’s National Day of Action on 8/23/25 to protect national parks, monuments, historic sites, and more. JANM’s plaza will host a Little Tokyo demonstration from 10-11:30AM.
  • Celebrate immigrant culture, heritage and diversity this weekend at LA events like Nisei Week, Natsumatsuri Festival, and Preciosa Fest

Banner photo from the Office of Assemblyman Mark Gonzalez.