Survivors of Japanese Internment Reflect on Current Immigration Policies

John Tateishi, a survivor of Japanese internment during World War II, draws alarming parallels between his experience and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies aimed at deporting thousands, particularly targeting Hispanic and Latino individuals. Fort Bliss, once a site of internment, now houses one of the largest detention centers for immigration violations, where recent reports indicate at least three deaths in custody. The Japanese American Citizens League has condemned the use of this facility, emphasizing the painful historical connection to the unjust internment of Japanese Americans. Survivors like Tateishi and Satsuki Ina express deep concern over the resurgence of racial profiling and the criminalization of immigrant communities, echoing the injustices they faced decades ago.

Key Details: • Fort Bliss is currently home to Camp East Montana, a major immigration detention center. • At least three detainees have died in custody at this facility in the last two months. • The Japanese American Citizens League has publicly criticized the use of Fort Bliss for detaining immigrants. • Survivors advocate for awareness of the historical injustices to prevent repeating past mistakes.