‘Do not see us as Americans’: Indian-origin political consultant reacts to ICE agents racially profiling, asking where ‘Asian people live’

Indian-origin political consultant and Democratic think tank Neera Tanden reacted to reports of racial profiling by US immigration (ICE) authorities in Minnesota, saying Asian Americans are still not seen as truly American — even if they are born in the country.

Tanden posted on X: “My Asian brothers and sisters, they do not see us as American even when we are born here.”

Tanden is the president and CEO of the Center for American Progress and a former senior government official.

Her comment came after testimony by St. Paul mayor Kaohly Her, who said ICE agents have been going door-to-door, knocking on random houses and asking residents, “Where the Asian people live.”

The claim was made during a Democratic-led congressional field hearing on immigration held in Minnesota on Friday. The hearing was hosted by Congresswoman and Somali leader Ilhan Omar. The discussion focused on ICE operations in the state following the fatal shooting of a woman named Renee Good. Good was shot earlier this week by an ICE agent named Jonathan Ross multiple times in 'self-defence.'


Mayor Her told lawmakers that St. Paul residents have reported federal officers using racial profiling tactics while making arrests. She said she herself has been advised to carry her passport at all times because she fears being targeted based on her appearance.

“We’ve received reports of federal law enforcement officers going door-to-door asking people where the Asian people live right in our very own city,” Her said during her testimony. She was born in Laos, where she and her family lived in a refugee camp due to the Vietnam War. Kaohly is the first woman, Asian American, and Hmong American to serve as mayor of St. Paul. She described the Blue city as being under extreme stress due to the ICE presence, saying fear has spread across immigrant communities, especially the marginalised races.

Recently, a man was detained by federal agents because of his accent. The incident was captured on video and people condemned the action of ICE for questioning a man just because he didn't "sound White."

According to the mayor, local business owners have reported sales dropping by as much as 60 per cent as residents stay home. Parents and students are also afraid, which made St. Paul Public Schools to offer e-learning options, online classes for the next month.