Dean Cain joins ICE
Actor Dean Cain, best known for playing Superman in the 1990s television series “Lois & Clark,” announced this week that he is joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in support of...
The Rebel Yellow - Issue #105
Dean Cain says he’s joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as the Trump administration ramps up enforcement and drops hiring age limits. Courts are reviewing new courthouse arrest tactics that target migrants, while ICE faces criticism after multiple deaths in custody, including three Asian men this year. In Ireland, Indian communities report a wave of racist attacks. Air New Zealand’s first CEO of Indian heritage faces online backlash. Beijing claims control over the Dalai Lama’s reincarnation. In Seattle, a Japanese American mural is vandalized again. And Jeremy Lin launches a camp to mentor Asian American college players.
Dean Cain channels Superman as he joins ICE
Actor Dean Cain, best known for playing Superman in the 1990s television series “Lois & Clark,” announced this week that he is joining U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in support of President Donald Trump’s renewed push to expand immigration enforcement.
ICE recruitment effort
Cain, 59, made the announcement Wednesday in a video posted to Instagram, saying he wanted to move beyond commentary and take direct action. He urged others to apply for ICE positions, citing federal benefits, student loan repayment and signing bonuses.
“I felt it was important to join with our first responders to help secure the safety of all Americans, not just talk about it, so I joined up,” Cain said in the video, which featured the Superman theme playing in the background. In an appearance on Fox News’ “Jesse Watters Primetime” later that evening, he described the decision as an act of principle, stating, “I will be sworn in as an ICE agent ASAP.”
The announcement came the same day the Department of Homeland Security said it would eliminate age limits for new hires across its immigration enforcement agencies. In a news release, the department said the waiver would allow “even more patriots [to] qualify to join ICE,” following a major budget increase from Congress aimed at expanding enforcement efforts.
“Truth, justice and the American way”
Cain, whose Japanese ancestors were among those incarcerated in camps during World War II, said he views joining ICE as a way to contribute directly to public safety and national integrity. ICE, which has resumed large-scale raids and removals, faces scrutiny for enforcement actions that have led to the detention of legal residents and even U.S. citizens. Civil rights groups have raised concerns about due-process violations and aggressive tactics.
Cain’s video echoed the legacy of Superman through both patriotic framing and use of the character’s theme music. In recent remarks, he criticized James Gunn’s Superman, which highlights the character’s immigrant identity. “Superman has always stood for truth, justice and the American way, and the American way is immigrant-friendly, tremendously immigrant-friendly, but there are rules,” Cain said.
How the Trump admin uses courthouse dismissals to fast-track deportations
In recent months, the Trump administration has devised an immigration enforcement strategy in which government attorneys seek case dismissals in immigration court, only for ICE agents to arrest migrants immediately at the courthouse to place them in expedited removal proceedings.
How it works: Government lawyers ask immigration judges to dismiss ongoing cases citing “changed circumstances,” while ICE officers wait nearby to arrest migrants as they leave the courtroom. A May 30 Justice Department memo seen by NBC News instructs judges to process these oral dismissal requests during the same hearing, eliminating the traditional 10-day response period immigrants previously had.
After dismissal, individuals are placed in expedited removal proceedings that allow for quick deportation, unlike standard immigration cases that often take years to complete. This strategy affects people who entered unlawfully as well as those admitted legally through humanitarian programs.
State of play: Federal courts have begun restricting this enforcement strategy. On Aug. 2, U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb issued a temporary restraining order blocking expedited removal for migrants who entered legally through humanitarian parole programs, ruling these individuals had “played by the rules.”
Immigration law experts argue the Justice Department memo violates federal statute by omitting required language about individual case circumstances, with civil rights groups filing a class-action lawsuit last month to halt the courthouse arrest policy. However, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defends the strategy, saying it reverses “Biden’s catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets.”
The big picture: While the administration remains set in its immigration crackdown, public support for mass deportations appears to have declined. A July CBS News/YouGov poll shows 56% of Americans believe the operations target mostly nonviolent individuals, while 54% consider the approach too aggressive. These courthouse arrests could particularly affect Democratic-controlled cities where Trump has ordered increased enforcement, impacting areas with large Asian American populations.
The Justice Department is expected to appeal Cobb’s ruling.
Chinese ICE detainee dies by suicide days after transfer to Pennsylvania facility
Chaofeng Ge, a 32-year-old Chinese national, died by suicide just five days after entering U.S. immigration custody, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ge was reportedly found “hanging by the neck” in a shower stall at the Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Philipsburg, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Aug. 5. Staff attempted CPR and called emergency services, but he was pronounced dead shortly after 6 a.m. by the Clearfield County coroner.
Detention timeline
Ge was arrested in January by police in Lower Paxton Township after officers found stolen credit card data on his phone. He pleaded guilty to access device fraud and related charges on July 31 and was sentenced to concurrent terms of six to 12 months. ICE assumed custody of him the same day through an immigration detainer.
At the time of his death, Ge was awaiting a hearing before the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review. ICE said a handwritten note was recovered near the scene and there were no signs of foul play. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating, and ICE’s Office of Professional Responsibility was notified in line with agency protocol.
Pattern raises oversight concerns
Ge’s death is one of at least 14 reported in ICE custody so far in fiscal year 2025, surpassing last year’s total of 12. At least three of this year’s cases, including Ge’s, have been classified as suicides. Advocates and former officials have raised concerns about underreporting and lack of transparency, warning that the true number of deaths may be higher.
Two other Asian men have died in ICE custody this year. In July, Tien Xuan Phan, a 55-year-old Vietnamese national, died at a hospital in San Antonio after experiencing seizures and vomiting while detained in Karnes County, Texas. In March, Nhon Ngoc Nguyen, also 55 and diagnosed with dementia, died from pneumonia at a hospital in El Paso. Both deaths remain under formal review.
Reform calls and ICE response
Advocacy groups have renewed demands for stronger oversight and better medical safeguards within immigration detention facilities. The Moshannon Valley Processing Center, where Ge was held, has been the subject of ongoing criticism for inadequate health care, limited legal access and poor living conditions. A 2024 report by Temple University highlighted widespread complaints from detainees, including allegations of neglect and mistreatment.
ICE stated that all detainees receive medical, dental and mental health screenings within 12 hours of arrival, followed by a comprehensive health assessment within 14 days. The agency said emergency care is available around the clock and reiterated its commitment to humane treatment. ICE has notified the Chinese embassy, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and members of Congress in connection with the recent death.
Mural honoring Japanese Americans vandalized again in Seattle’s Chinatown
A mural honoring Japanese American history in Nihonmachi Alley of Seattle’s Chinatown-International District was vandalized with spray paint last weekend, marking the second attack on the artwork this year.
What happened: The vandalism, which involved silver spray paint splotches on the artwork, likely occurred between Aug. 1-2 and was cleaned up by Monday morning by the Chinatown-International District Business Improvement Area (CIDBIA). The first attack reportedly occurred in January when vandals covered the artwork with black ink and wrote Bible chapter and verse numbers on the alley wall. Michael Durnan, a doorman at the historic Panama Hotel who monitors the alley, told FOX 13 that the buildings facing the area have historic ties to World War II.
About the mural: The piece, titled “Never Again Is Now,” was created by Seattle artist Erin Shigaki in 2019 as part of a public art exhibit. The mural shows a mother and child during forced removal, along with names of Japanese Americans held at Idaho’s Minidoka War Relocation Center who still served in the U.S. Army.
Why it matters: “This mural stands as a reminder of our resilience and a reminder for current and future generations this can’t happen again,” CIDBIA Executive Director Tuyen Than told KING 5, emphasizing its relevance as birthright citizenship is being challenged today. The vandalism also reflects ongoing challenges facing Seattle’s Asian American community, echoing the 2023 attack on the Wing Luke Museum that resulted in over $100,000 in damages. The suspect, identified as Craig Milne, allegedly yelled anti-Chinese statements during the incident.
Than said her organization has cleared over 10,000 square feet of graffiti from the neighborhood so far this year.
Korean American “TikTok cult” pastor faces intensifying federal investigation
On July 25, federal authorities raided a home in Tujunga, Los Angeles, connected to Robert Shinn, the pastor and talent manager at the center of Netflix’s 2024 documentary “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult.”
What went down: The multi-agency operation began at around 6 a.m. when personnel from the FBI, U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Department of Labor served search warrants at the McGroarty Street home, with assistance from the El Monte Police Department’s SWAT team. Sources told FOX 11 later that authorities served five warrants at five separate properties, with Shinn detained at one of the locations. The search involved allegations of sex trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, mail fraud and COVID-19-related fraud.
About Shinn: Canadian-born Shinn, 87, established Shekinah Church in 1994 to serve the Korean American community in Los Angeles. He created 7M Films in 2021 to help social media influencers and TikTok performers find entertainment work. Investigative journalist Katie Joy told NewsNation that Shinn “has for many years run a cult-like organization” and faces accusations of sexual assault from “no less than six women,” while noting he has used different names throughout his career.
Former members featured in the Netflix documentary say Shinn told followers they must “die” to family members who rejected his teachings, claiming that adequate devotion would save their relatives from eternal punishment. The pastor, with an estimated net worth of $15 million, has been involved in multiple legal disputes, including a 2011 case where former member Jung Hee Lee won her lawsuit against him for forcing her to work full-time for only $30 weekly. A civil case originally scheduled for trial in July has been postponed to October, but attorneys for the plaintiffs told KTLA they are “gratified” that the federal government is investigating him.
Shinn and his organization have denied the allegations, with 7M Films previously calling the Netflix documentary a “slanderous work of fiction.”
Indians in Ireland face harrowing wave of racist violence
A wave of racist violence against Indians in Ireland has prompted a safety advisory from the Indian Embassy and left community members fearing for their safety.
Notable incidents: A 6-year-old girl in Waterford City fell victim Monday evening when older children beat her while yelling racial slurs. “They said the F word and ‘Dirty Indian, go back to India,’” her mother, nurse Anupa Achuthan, told the Irish Mirror, noting that her Irish-born daughter was just playing outside their Kilbarry home. Multiple other cases have been reported by both local and Indian news outlets.
Last week, taxi driver Lakhvir Singh, 46, was hospitalized after two passengers attacked him with a broken bottle, hitting his forehead twice while shouting “go back to your country.” One of them had initially refused to ride with a “black” driver. On July 27, Santosh Yadav suffered a broken cheekbone when five to six teenagers surrounded and beat him near Clondalkin train station. “I was bleeding and after hitting me, they immediately left,” he told The Journal. “My friend was screaming and she was trying to save me.” The recent wave of violence appears to have begun around July 19, when a man who had arrived in Ireland just three weeks prior was beaten in Tallaght, prompting local politicians to condemn the assault.
Unprecedented violence: Sudeep Sanyal, director of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Centre Ireland, described the current situation as unlike anything he has seen before. “I’m here 21 years. I’ve never seen it like this,” he told RTE, explaining that families back in India are now questioning the safety of sending their children to study there. Needless to say, the attacks have traumatized victims and their families, with Singh’s teenage children asking him to promise he will never drive a taxi again. Yadav said the Indian community no longer feels safe in Ireland.
Despite obtaining Irish citizenship after living in Ireland for eight years, Achuthan said the attack on her daughter has left her feeling unwelcome. “I am a nurse, I am doing my best to take care of people. I do my work and I am 100% professional. I changed my citizenship, but still we are called dirty people and even my kids are not safe,” she told the Mirror. The psychological impact extends across the healthcare workforce, with a popular social media post claiming that some 30 to 35 nurses in their circle are considering quitting their jobs and leaving Ireland for Australia or returning to India.
The big picture: Racism and violence against Indians and other Asians is not new in Ireland. At present, Indian workers make up the country’s third-largest immigrant population and account for 21% of its nearly 90,000 registered nurses and midwives.
The Ireland India Council, which receives daily reports of attacks against community members, has called for government action including hate crime legislation and coordinated responses. In response to the escalating violence, the Indian Embassy in Dublin took the unusual step on Aug. 1 of warning its citizens to “take reasonable precautions for their personal safety and avoid deserted areas, especially in odd hours.”
Racist backlash erupts after Air New Zealand names Indian-origin CEO
Air New Zealand is facing a wave of racist backlash following its announcement that Nikhil Ravishankar, a New Zealander of Indian descent, will become the airline’s new chief executive officer starting Oct. 20. The appointment triggered an outpouring of xenophobic comments on social media, prompting several news outlets, including the New Zealand Herald, to restrict or disable comments on related posts.
Ravishankar’s appointment marks a historic milestone as he becomes the first person of Indian heritage to lead the country’s flag carrier. The decision has been praised by many as a significant step toward diversity and inclusion in New Zealand’s corporate landscape. However, the positive response was undercut by online vitriol.
Dame Therese Walsh, chair of Air New Zealand’s board, said the airline conducted an international search and selected Ravishankar based on his leadership style, digital expertise and alignment with the company’s values. Ravishankar joined the airline in 2021 following a tech career at energy firm Vector. In a statement, he said he was “thrilled and humbled” to take on the role during a critical period for the airline’s future.
Beijing claims “final say” over Dalai Lama’s reincarnation
China’s government declared this week that it has “indisputable” authority over the selection of the next Dalai Lama, directly challenging the current spiritual leader’s authority and setting up a major succession dispute.
Historical backing: Gama Cedain, deputy secretary of the Chinese Communist Party committee in Tibet, told reporters Tuesday that “the central government has the indisputable final say in the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama” and that searches must occur only within China with government approval. Chinese authorities typically point to history for support, since the title has been conferred by the central government since the 5th Dalai Lama. Cedain stressed that the Dalai Lama has never solely decided about reincarnation, which also follows strict religious rituals and historical conventions.
Driving the news: The ongoing dispute escalated after the 90-year-old Dalai Lama announced last month that his institution would continue, designating the Gaden Phodrang Trust as the exclusive authority to identify his reincarnation. The religious leader previously declared that his successor will be born in a “free country” beyond Chinese influence, reversing his earlier stance that the institution might end. Meanwhile, China considers the Nobel laureate a “separatist” and has intervened before in Buddhist succession, as when a 6-year-old selected by the Dalai Lama for Panchen Lama vanished in 1995 and Beijing installed its own candidate.
Mongolia as “testing ground”: Telo Tulku Rinpoche, the Dalai Lama’s envoy to Russia, Mongolia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), warned that Mongolia has become a “testing ground” for China to control reincarnation. Though the Dalai Lama recognized the 10th Khalkha Jetsun Dampa in 2023 — a boy with both U.S. and Mongolian citizenship — Mongolia has refused official recognition due to Chinese economic pressure. “Mongolia is pretty much under control of China politically, economically, and now we can say spiritually as well,” Rinpoche told Global Order. “They have a very strong influence to silence the Mongolian authorities, which they have succeeded in.” Economic sanctions following the Dalai Lama’s 2016 Mongolia visit effectively severed religious ties.
What’s next: Analysts predict rival Dalai Lamas will emerge, with Beijing and Tibetan monks selecting separate candidates, producing what experts call “an unprecedented crisis of legitimacy.” The U.S., for its part, has called on China to “cease its interference in the succession of the Dalai Lama and other Tibetan Buddhist lamas.” The search process could take several years following the current Dalai Lama’s death, during which this religious and geopolitical standoff will likely intensify.
Drama about Chinese invasion becomes surprise hit among Taiwanese viewers
A fictional Taiwanese TV series depicting a Chinese military attack has become a major sensation with viewers since its premiere in Taipei on July 29. “Zero Day Attack,” a 10-episode speculative thriller released nationwide on August 2, has drawn unprecedented attention and debate about Taiwan’s readiness in the face of rising tensions across the strait.
Plot and public reaction: The drama opens with a Chinese warplane disappearing over the Taiwan Strait and rapidly escalating to a naval blockade, air incursions and cyber sabotage. Scenes of economic collapse, widespread disinformation and public panic in Taipei have earned praise from viewers and analysts for their cinematic realism and geopolitical precision. Prominent attendees at the Taipei premiere included US diplomat Raymond Greene and tech entrepreneur Robert Tsao.
Breaking taboos: The show marks the first Taiwanese TV series to depict a full-scale invasion by China, breaking longstanding cultural taboos. Production endured challenges including censorship fears as more than half the crew chose anonymity on screen and several staff left mid-production citing concern over Chinese pressure. Producer Cheng Hsin-Mei said the show was intended to provoke thoughtful discussion about national defense and public readiness, not to incite fear.
Cultural impact and rising interest: The series’ trailer reached over 1.7 million views on YouTube, signaling strong early interest before full release. Its success reflects a broader cultural shift in Taiwan as invasion-themed topics once avoided in mainstream media now permeate entertainment, news and civic discourse. Observers credit “Zero Day Attack” with stimulating national conversations about crisis planning, unity and Taiwan’s collective resilience in the face of potential conflict.
Fear of foreign languages keeps millions of Americans from traveling to Asia
Language barriers are deterring millions of Americans from visiting international destinations, according to a June 2025 survey by Preply. The poll of over 1,500 U.S. adults found that 32% intentionally avoid traveling to countries where English is not commonly spoken, citing discomfort with communication challenges.
Most intimidating destinations: Although 80% of respondents believe learning basic phrases is important before traveling, only 58% make an effort to do so. Many prepare at the last minute, with 40% studying en route and only 25% beginning months in advance. Asian countries ranked highest for language-related travel anxiety, with China being named most intimidating, followed by Japan, South Korea and Thailand.
Travel habits impacted: Beyond choosing destinations, language anxiety influences how Americans navigate foreign environments. The survey found that 35% rely on pointing at menus, while 17% stick to American-style food to avoid misunderstandings. Many travelers also turn to translation apps or depend on others who speak the local language to ease communication abroad.
Missed cultural opportunities: Language anxiety affects not only where Americans travel but also how fully they engage with local culture. A separate survey by Babbel found that nearly one in four Americans believe speaking the local language allows for more authentic travel experiences. When travelers rely on gestures or avoid local cuisine, they often miss opportunities to build deeper cultural connections and interact meaningfully with the communities they visit.
“Real Housewives of Orange County” star calls out castmates for mocking Asians
Katie Ginella, 41, the first Asian American and Korean adoptee to join “The Real Housewives of Orange County” full time, called out co-stars Jennifer Pedranti, 48, and Gretchen Rossi, 46, for a social media video she described as racially insensitive and offensive. “There’s a very inappropriate video going around where two girls are pretending to fight, squinting their eyes and making Asian faces to Asian sounds,” Ginella said on the Aug. 6 “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast. “It’s very hurtful and inappropriate. It’s 2025 and I think we should read the room.”
The clip, which has since been deleted but reshared elsewhere, show Pedranti and Rossi in workout attire at a gym mimicking martial arts, squinting their eyes and using exaggerated “Asian” voices over a soundtrack resembling Asian speech. “I’m back on Housewives,” Rossi says at the start of the video, referencing her return after leaving the franchise in 2013. Pedranti follows with, “And we’re ready to defend ourselves.” The two then punch and kick a boxing bag while mouthing along to the audio before high-fiving and walking away.
Ginella said the video resurfaced painful memories from her childhood and made her feel singled out as the only Asian American in the cast. She confirmed her previously friendly relationships with Pedranti and Rossi have since ended. While Rossi said the video was not directed at Ginella and removed it once concerns were raised, Pedranti has not issued a public response.
Jeremy Lin embraces mentorship role with Asian American college players
Last week, former NBA star Jeremy Lin launched the inaugural JLIN NextGen Basketball Camp in his hometown of Palo Alto, California, bringing together 12 standout Asian American college players for a three-day, invitation-only training program. The camp marks Lin’s formal shift from professional athlete to mentor as he invests in developing the next generation of talent.
At 36, Lin is still active professionally with the New Taipei Kings in Taiwan but is now channeling his experience into building up the next generation. As the first Taiwanese American to play in the NBA, his journey remains a defining moment for Asian American representation in sports. “Every time I hear about [Linsanity], I’m like, ‘Don’t tell me how old you were when it happened. ... A lot of people still care about it,’” he told the Bay Area News Group.
Lin led the camp’s training sessions personally, offering insight and guidance to athletes navigating a path few have taken. Training covered skill development, strength conditioning and professional insights from Lin, who emphasized leadership and mindset alongside basketball fundamentals.
Lin said he hopes the camp will foster a stronger sense of identity and connection among Asian American athletes, many of whom are often the only ones representing their background on their teams. He also urged generational unity, expressing frustration when older Asian American athletes criticize younger ones instead of uplifting them.