Asian Celebrities Who Spoke Out Against ICE

Immigration policy and enforcement have become major flashpoints for political debate and social activism in the United States. Many figures in the entertainment industry have used their platforms to voice concern over the treatment of undocumented individuals and asylum seekers. Asian and Asian American celebrities have been particularly vocal regarding the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies. Their advocacy often stems from personal family histories or a desire to support marginalized communities facing detention and deportation. This list highlights those who have protested, donated, or spoken out against these controversial practices.

George Takei

The ‘Star Trek’ legend has been one of the most prominent critics of border detention centers. He famously compared the separation of migrant children to his own childhood imprisonment in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Takei used his massive social media following to educate the public on the dangers of repeating these historical mistakes. He also launched a graphic novel series to further illustrate the trauma of state-sponsored confinement.

Padma Lakshmi

This television host and author has worked extensively with the ACLU to protect immigrant rights. Lakshmi visited the Texas border to witness the conditions of detention facilities firsthand and protest family separations. She cooked meals for migrants in Tijuana to show solidarity and humanity during the crisis. Her show ‘Taste the Nation’ frequently highlights the essential contributions of immigrant communities to American culture.

Kumail Nanjiani

Nanjiani collaborated with the ACLU and Brooklyn Defender Services to produce the “We Have Rights” campaign. He provided voiceovers in Urdu for animated videos designed to help immigrants understand their rights during encounters with authorities. The actor frequently used Twitter to combat anti-immigrant rhetoric from political leaders. His efforts focused on providing practical legal tools for safety and awareness.

Constance Wu

The ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star traveled to Tornillo in Texas to protest outside detention centers holding migrant children. She joined other entertainers to draw mainstream media attention to the “Families Belong Together” movement. Wu emphasized in her statements that seeking asylum is a legal right and not a crime. She used her platform to direct fans toward fundraising efforts for legal aid.

John Cho

Cho wrote an op-ed for the Los Angeles Times discussing the importance of immigrants to the fabric of American society. He criticized the demonization of border crossers and the policies that led to family separations. The actor expressed deep concern over the psychological impact of placing children in cages. His advocacy often centers on humanizing the immigrant experience beyond political talking points.

Chrissy Teigen

Teigen and her husband John Legend made a significant donation of nearly three hundred thousand dollars to the ACLU. The contribution was specifically aimed at supporting the legal defense of immigrant families facing deportation. She frequently used her social media presence to express outrage over the treatment of asylum seekers. Teigen consistently called for the abolition of harsh enforcement tactics used by federal agencies.

Jose Antonio Vargas

Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who revealed his own status as an undocumented immigrant to advocate for others. He founded the organization Define American to shift the narrative around citizenship and identity. He documented his own detention by ICE in Texas to highlight the plight of undocumented residents. His work tirelessly questions the morality of current immigration laws.

Margaret Cho

The comedian publicly criticized actor Dean Cain for joining the agency as a reserve officer. She highlighted the history of oppression faced by Asian communities to question his support for the organization. Cho has attended protests and used her stand-up comedy to address social justice issues including immigration. She consistently advocates for the rights of marginalized groups against state enforcement.

Hasan Minhaj

Minhaj dedicated a full episode of his show ‘Patriot Act’ to exposing the mismanagement and cruelty within border enforcement agencies. He broke down the budget allocations and the conditions within detention centers for a global audience. The comedian used humor and investigative journalism to critique the lack of accountability in the system. His segment helped educate younger viewers on the complexities of the border crisis.

Riz Ahmed

Ahmed has spoken out frequently against the Muslim ban and the xenophobic rhetoric fueling aggressive immigration enforcement. He used his music and acting roles to discuss the experience of racial profiling at borders. The actor launched a campaign to improve the representation of Muslims in media to combat harmful stereotypes. He argues that negative portrayals contribute to the dehumanization of immigrants.

Jameela Jamil

The ‘The Good Place’ actress used her social media platform to amplify stories of families separated at the border. She called for urgent policy reform and criticized the inhumane treatment of children in custody. Jamil frequently shared links to organizations providing bail funds and legal assistance. Her advocacy is part of her broader commitment to social justice and equality.

Kal Penn

Penn used his background in the Obama administration to contextualize and criticize the sudden harsh shifts in immigration enforcement. He engaged in public debates regarding the efficiency and morality of building a border wall. The actor has worked with various organizations to encourage civic engagement among young people. He often highlights the economic and cultural benefits of a robust immigration system.

Mindy Kaling

Kaling tweeted her horror regarding the separation of families and donated to RAICES Texas. She urged her followers to support legal services for detained families and children. The writer and actress used her influence to keep the issue in the public consciousness during the height of the crisis. Her support focused on the humanitarian aspect of reuniting parents with their children.

Olivia Munn

Munn spoke passionately about the psychological trauma inflicted on children kept in chain-link enclosures at border facilities. She condemned the zero-tolerance policy that led to mass detentions. The actress used interviews to express her disbelief that such practices were occurring in the United States. She joined a chorus of voices demanding immediate reunification for separated families.

Nico Santos

Santos portrayed an undocumented character on the sitcom ‘Superstore’ and used the storyline to discuss real fears of deportation. He spoke about the importance of showing the anxiety faced by the Filipino community regarding immigration enforcement. The actor praised the show for depicting the raid of a workplace by federal agents. He advocates for a pathway to citizenship for undocumented residents.

Yara Shahidi

Shahidi joined a coalition of artists and activists demanding the release of rapper 21 Savage from immigration detention. She used her platform to highlight how enforcement agencies target Black immigrants. The actress works consistently to educate her generation on the intersection of civil rights and immigration status. She emphasizes the need for a more compassionate judicial process.

Tan France

The ‘Queer Eye’ star has discussed the intense scrutiny and racism he faced from immigration officials despite his celebrity status. He launched a campaign called “A Mile in Our Shoes” to share the stories of refugees and asylum seekers. France uses his personal experiences to advocate for dignity and respect at the border. He argues that diversity is the greatest strength of the United States.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Chopra issued statements as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador condemning the practice of separating children from parents. She called the images coming from the border heartbreaking and urged for the protection of children’s rights. The actress emphasized that every child deserves safety regardless of their country of origin. Her global platform brought international attention to the US border policies.

Bella Hadid

Hadid joined street protests in New York City to march against executive orders that targeted immigrants and refugees. She held signs supporting the rights of those from Muslim-majority countries to enter the US. The model shared her father’s history as a refugee to personalize the political issue. She continues to advocate for the rights of displaced people globally.

Gigi Hadid

The supermodel marched alongside her sister and shared images of the protest to advocate for fair treatment of all backgrounds. She spoke out against the “Muslim Ban” and the resulting chaos at airports. Hadid utilized her massive Instagram following to spread messages of inclusivity and resistance. She supports the idea that the country should remain open to those seeking a better life.

Min Jin Lee

The author of ‘Pachinko’ signed open letters and used her literary standing to condemn the treatment of migrants. She argued that the detention conditions violated basic human rights and international standards. Lee frequently uses her writing to explore the themes of diaspora and belonging. She stands in solidarity with other writers demanding the abolition of cruel enforcement tactics.

Viet Thanh Nguyen

Nguyen wrote op-eds drawing connections between his experience as a refugee and the current treatment of asylum seekers. The author of ‘The Sympathizer’ criticized the rhetoric that criminalizes those fleeing violence and poverty. He argues that American foreign policy often creates the conditions that drive migration. His activism centers on recognizing the humanity of every person crossing the border.

Daniel Dae Kim

Kim tweeted in support of the “Families Belong Together” movement and criticized administrative cruelty. He highlighted the moral failure of separating young children from their guardians. The actor urged his fans to look past partisan politics to see the human cost of the policies. He has consistently supported increased representation and rights for Asian Americans.

Darren Criss

Criss voiced his heartbreak over the family separation policy and urged fans to support organizations aiding migrants. He posted information on how to donate to legal defense funds for those in detention. The actor emphasized that the treatment of these families did not reflect American values. He joined many other voices in Hollywood calling for an immediate end to the zero-tolerance directive.

Maulik Pancholy

Pancholy resigned from the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in protest of administration policies. He cited the executive orders targeting immigrants as a primary reason for his departure. The actor stated he could not serve an administration that demonized vulnerable communities. He continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ and immigrant rights.

Simu Liu

Liu shared stories of his parents’ immigration to advocate for a more compassionate approach to newcomers. He criticized the rhetoric that treats immigrants as threats rather than contributors to society. The ‘Shang-Chi’ star frequently engages with fans on social media regarding social justice issues. He promotes the idea that diversity strengthens the national character.

Bruno Mars

The singer paused a concert during the height of the border crisis to send prayers to separated families. He also took to social media to express his solidarity with those affected by the zero-tolerance policy. Mars emphasized the importance of family unity and the tragedy of government-enforced separation. His comments brought the issue to a massive pop culture audience.

Eugene Lee Yang

Yang has used his platform as a producer and internet personality to fundraise for various social justice causes. He created content that explores the history of anti-Asian sentiment and its connection to immigration laws. Yang advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ immigrants who face unique dangers in detention. He encourages his audience to be active participants in the democratic process.

Please share your thoughts on these celebrity activists in the comments.