PALISADES PARK, NJ – On January 31, an eager group of over 20 New Jersey residents gathered together to eat and shop along Broad Avenue in support of immigrant-owned small businesses affected by the recent escalation in ICE activity in Palisades Park. Organized by AAPI New Jersey, the state’s largest nonprofit advocating for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, the event, titled “Stronger Than Fear: Eat, Shop and Stand Up for Palisades Park,” drew adults and youth from towns including Glen Rock, North Bergen, Ridgewood, Summit, and Verona.
Joined by Assemblywoman Shama Haider and the staff of Assemblywoman Ellen Park, participants shopped and spoke with Korean American business owners about the challenges they have faced in recent weeks, with many expressing concerns for the safety of their employees. One bakery owner said that the impact of residents’ fear on his usual sales had been “devastating,” while a restaurant owner reported having seen a man chased down and tackled on the sidewalk right in front of her door. Representatives of AAPI New Jersey shared flyers with information on rapid response hotlines and rights during encounters with ICE in Korean and English.
“Palisades Park is the heart of the Korean American community in New Jersey, and it has been heart-wrenching to think that people here have been afraid to leave their homes,” said Amber Reed, Co-Executive Director of AAPI NJ. “As we’ve seen in states like Minnesota, what affects one community will soon affect all. Now is a critical time to help prepare each other by sharing information about how best to stay safe around ICE, and for those who are able to come together to support their neighbors and the small businesses who are hurting most right now.”
“This is a wonderful way of supporting people who are suffering because of ICE,” said Asw. Shama Haider as the crowd enjoyed coffee and Korean pastries at Artisan Boulanger. “[…] How can this be happening in the United States of America? We all have to raise our voices…. People should know there are people out there to help them–and their neighbors will help them. People should not feel alone and terrified.”
Going forward, AAPI NJ plans to share a safety kit with local businesses including signs for their doors and private spaces; distribute Know Your Rights information at the Palisades Park Library and local events; and host trainings in Palisades Park on what to do when one encounters ICE. The organization also recently posted the first of a planned series of Korean-language videos to its YouTube channel on how we can support our neighbors and know our rights with ICE. Asian Americans in need of legal referrals, aid, or other forms of support are invited to email advocacy@aapinewjersey.org or call/text 973-298-0966 in Korean or English for assistance.
Additional resources on immigrant rights for AAPI communities may be found at: https://aapinewjersey.org/resources/immigrants-rights/.
