Latest news with #KoreanAmericans
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Korean Americans criticise Donald Trump Jr. for 'reckless' social media post
By Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) -An association of Korean Americans in Los Angeles has criticised Donald Trump Jr., the son of the U.S. president, for "reckless" comments on social media and urged him not to exploit a riot that devastated their community 33 years ago. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles also said an operation by the U.S. administration to round up suspected undocumented immigrants lacked "due legal procedures". Donald Trump Jr. posted a photograph of a man with a rifle on a rooftop on X with a message: "Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!" referring to actions by the Korean American community during the 1992 race riots in Los Angeles. The federation in separate statements expressed concern over the developments in Los Angeles over the last week and said their businesses were seriously affected by the crackdown and arrests. "While the unrest has not yet subsided, Donald Trump Jr. ... showed the recklessness of posting a post on X on Sunday, June 8, mocking the current unrest by mentioning the 'Rooftop Korean' from the LA riots 33 years ago," it said in a statement on Monday Los Angeles time. "As the eldest son of the current president and an influencer with approximately 15 million followers, his actions could pose a huge risk in these icy times, and we strongly urge the past trauma of the Korean people be never, ever exploited for any purpose." In 1992, some members of the community, armed with firearms, took up positions on store rooftops and reportedly fired on looters, giving rise to the "Rooftop Koreans" folklore. They had taken their defence into their own hands after they felt official law enforcement was not protecting them from unrest following the police beating of a black motorist Rodney King. Kang Hyung-won, a photojournalist who reported for the Los Angeles Times during the 1992 unrest, said on X in a reply to Donald Trump Jr.'s post the picture had been taken by him and it was used without his permission. "You're using the photo out of context. Please take it down," Kang said. Kang reached by email said he would be available to comment later. No-one from the Washington administration could immediately be reached for comment.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Korean Americans criticise Donald Trump Jr. for 'reckless' social media post
* Korean Americans defended themselves during 1992 race riots * Association says Trump Jr.'s media post could pose 'a huge risk' * Photojournalist said he had not given permission for his photo to be used SEOUL, - An association of Korean Americans in Los Angeles has criticised Donald Trump Jr., the son of the U.S. president, for "reckless" comments on social media and urged him not to exploit a riot that devastated their community 33 years ago. The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles also said an operation by the U.S. administration to round up suspected undocumented immigrants lacked "due legal procedures". Donald Trump Jr. posted a photograph of a man with a rifle on a rooftop on X with a message: "Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!" referring to actions by the Korean American community during the 1992 race riots in Los Angeles. The federation in separate statements expressed concern over the developments in Los Angeles over the last week and said their businesses were seriously affected by the crackdown and arrests. "While the unrest has not yet subsided, Donald Trump Jr. ... showed the recklessness of posting a post on X on Sunday, June 8, mocking the current unrest by mentioning the 'Rooftop Korean' from the LA riots 33 years ago," it said in a statement on Monday Los Angeles time. "As the eldest son of the current president and an influencer with approximately 15 million followers, his actions could pose a huge risk in these icy times, and we strongly urge the past trauma of the Korean people be never, ever exploited for any purpose." In 1992, some members of the community, armed with firearms, took up positions on store rooftops and reportedly fired on looters, giving rise to the "Rooftop Koreans" folklore. They had taken their defence into their own hands after they felt official law enforcement was not protecting them from unrest following the police beating of a black motorist Rodney King. Kang Hyung-won, a photojournalist who reported for the Los Angeles Times during the 1992 unrest, said on X in a reply to Donald Trump Jr.'s post the picture had been taken by him and it was used without his permission. "You're using the photo out of context. Please take it down," Kang said. Kang reached by email said he would be available to comment later. No-one from the Washington administration could immediately be reached for comment.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Trump Jr.'s 'Rooftop Koreans' meme sparks outrage as 1992 LA riot imagery resurfaces amid ICE protests
Trump Jr. under fire for referencing 1992 LA riots in controversial post Donald Trump Jr. sparked widespread backlash after posting a meme depicting an armed Korean American atop a rooftop, a reference to the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The image, widely associated with Korean shop owners defending their stores during racially charged unrest, was captioned with "Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again," drawing criticism for glorifying vigilante justice. The post came amid escalating protests in Los Angeles following immigration raids conducted by federal agents. Demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, blocked ICE vans, and set fires. Though Trump Jr. added no comment to the image, the symbolism was interpreted as a call for armed retaliation against protesters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bank Owned Properties For Sale In Cemengbangkalan (Prices May Surprise You) Foreclosed Homes | Search ads Search Now Undo Also read: Trump's ICE war spills onto streets: Where's the US headed? Korean American groups condemn the meme amid ongoing protests The Korean American Federation of Los Angeles (Kafla) condemned Trump Jr.'s meme, stating that it exploited the community's painful history. During the 1992 riots, Korean-owned businesses were specifically targeted, and many Korean Americans were left to defend their property without police support. Live Events 'As the son of the sitting president and a major influencer, his actions carry grave risks amid such a tense atmosphere,' Kafla stated. The group emphasized that the current unrest, while volatile, is not comparable to the chaos of 1992. Kafla also criticized the ongoing immigration raids for lacking due process and fueling confusion within immigrant communities, including Korean Americans. Trump's National Guard deployment reignites tensions with State leaders President Trump's decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles was made without California Governor Gavin Newsom's consent, marking the first such move in six decades. The action drew comparisons to the 1992 riots, but key differences remain. Also read: Trump deploys 2,000 national guard troops to LA amid growing anti-ICE protests In 1992, the Guard was deployed at the request of state leaders after the acquittal of LAPD officers in the Rodney King case triggered days of deadly violence. This time, Trump cited Section 12406 of Title 10, asserting federal authority amid protests over immigration enforcement. Newsom, who filed suit against the administration, called the deployment a 'manufactured crisis.' Historic parallels raise concerns about racial polarization The invocation of 1992-era imagery by Donald Trump Jr., coupled with federal deployment of military forces, has renewed fears about deepening racial and political polarization. In 1992, more than 60 people died and over 1,000 buildings were destroyed in a racially charged uprising. Korean Americans, then caught in the crossfire, remain sensitive to any rhetoric that revives that trauma. Also read: Trump vows to "HIT" any protester who spits on police. He pardoned those who did far worse on Jan. 6 This time, the unrest stems from immigration policy and enforcement, but the response is drawing similar imagery and tactics. Civil rights groups warn that such associations risk inflaming public sentiment and creating dangerous environments for minorities.
The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Donald Trump Jr weighs into LA crisis by suggesting protesters should be shot by ‘Rooftop Koreans'
Donald Trump Jr has attempted to make light of the ongoing tensions in Los Angeles by calling for the city to 'Make Rooftop Koreans Great Again!' Donald Trump's eldest son posted a meme on X of a Korean-American business owner inspecting a rifle on a rooftop in reference to the Los Angeles riots of 1992, which erupted in response to the acquittal of four Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers caught on video beating Black motorist Rodney King. The angry scenes that ensued saw some members of the local Asian diaspora take up arms to defend their businesses from looters and vandals. The Korean-Americans who took action to safeguard their livelihoods were both applauded as symbols of self-reliance and condemned for risking exacerbating existing racial animosity in their neighborhoods. Don Jr's post comes after protesters again took to the streets of the California city over the weekend to rail against his father's crackdown on illegal immigration, scenes that began on Friday when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents met with opposition from the public as they attempted to arrest alleged undocumented migrants living locally. The mass resistance saw vehicles set alight as protesters threw fireworks towards armed law enforcement officers, held aloft placards bearing hostile slogans and shouted 'Shame on you!' Officers in riot gear responded by firing tear gas and flash grenades to attempt to disperse the crowds. ICE operations across Los Angeles County have so far resulted in the arrests of 118 accused illegal immigrants despite the clashes, according to the Department of Homeland Security. President Trump responded to the situation by federalizing the California National Guard on Saturday, a step that was immediately condemned as 'unlawful' by the state's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who said the move was unnecessary as there were enough LAPD officers on the streets to control the demonstrations. Newsom accused Trump of attempting to 'manufacture a crisis' to distract from his other domestic controversies and of violating California's state sovereignty. 'These are the acts of a dictator, not a president,' he added. Newsom has since sued the administration and challenged Trump's border czar Tom Homan to arrest him, writing on X on Sunday: 'Come and get me, tough guy. I don't give a damn. It won't stop me from standing up for California.' Trump hit back at him on Truth Social, declaring: 'Governor Gavin Newscum and 'Mayor' [Karen] Bass should apologize to the people of Los Angeles for the absolutely horrible job that they have done, and this now includes the ongoing L.A. riots. 'These are not protesters, they are troublemakers and insurrectionists. Remember, NO MASKS!' More than 2,000 members of the state National Guard duly arrived in the city on Sunday to assist the LAPD in maintaining order. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has meanwhile threatened to send in the Marines if the chaos continues. At least 10 protesters were arrested on Sunday, following on from the 29 taken into custody on Saturday.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Korea Herald
LA's Korean American community on edge amid immigration raids, protests
No Korean nationals, Korean Americans confirmed among detainees as yet: reports US federal immigration authorities conducted a series of coordinated enforcement operations across Los Angeles on Friday, including in neighborhoods with a high concentration of Korean American-owned businesses. The move has raised concerns within the local Korean diaspora. The raids reportedly targeted areas in downtown Los Angeles' fashion district, commonly referred to as the 'Jobber Market,' where several Korean American-run wholesale clothing stores are located. In a statement released the same day, the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles condemned the enforcement actions, describing them as 'unilateral and heavy-handed.' 'These actions by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) disregard proper legal procedures,' the organization said. 'We urgently call on our local elected officials to take action and provide solutions to this crisis. In addition, we will work closely with local organizations to ensure that no individuals are unjustly harmed.' 'Even individuals who struggle with English or are unable to provide identification immediately are reportedly being arrested or detained first,' the organization added. 'This has caused significant harm and confusion, not only among Korean nationals but also among local residents.' The KAFLA, founded in 1962, is a nonprofit organization that serves the Korean American community of Los Angeles. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a democrat representing California's 37th congressional district, which includes a significant Korean American population, said she was monitoring the situation closely. She specifically pointed to Korean American-owned businesses in her district. 'I am closely monitoring the ICE raids that are currently happening across Los Angeles, including at a Korean American-owned store in my district,' she wrote on social platform X. According to The Associated Press, immigration authorities arrested 44 individuals during the operation. However, as of Friday evening, the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles said no Korean nationals or Korean Americans had been confirmed among those detained.
