Washington, D.C. — January 10, 2026 — In 2025, more than 30 people died while in immigration detainment centers, including at least 5 Asian Americans. Guided by the Filipino value of kapwa (our shared humanity and mutual respect) NaFFAA affirms that all individuals in immigration custody – regardless of background – deserve humane treatment, due process, and access to basic needs.
We stand in solidarity with the broader AANHPI community and advocate for detention conditions that uphold dignity, respect religious practices, and provide language access and appropriate medical care. We recognize that the dignity of one is tied to the dignity of all — and so we call for the fair, equal, and humane treatment of all detainees under the law as they await their day in court.
NaFFAA is also deeply concerned about the tragic death of Renee Good — who was killed during a recent ICE operation in Minnesota. We extend our condolences and send our prayers to her family and loved ones. Any loss of life involving those entrusted to uphold the law is very troubling. We at NaFFAA believe that violence of this nature can affect any community and threatens the safety of us all.
Guided by our Filipino value of bayanihan, we reinforce our commitment to advocating for justice, uplifting Filipino American voices, and engaging civically in ways that affirm human dignity and compassion for all.
Since 1997, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been the standard-bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA is the largest non-partisan, non-profit organization and national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals. Its fourteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.
