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By ICE via Flickr Creative Commons

Chatter on social media among Korean Americans across the United States indicates a high level of anxiety about ICE raids.

The Korea Times reports that apprehension peaked after some reported seeing ICE agents in Koreatown in Los Angeles, a city with the largest population of Koreans in the U.S.- about 100,000 with another 100,000 in the county.

“ICE agents are being spotted all over this morning,” one said. “There are armed, masked men walking around and scaring people. This is crazy.”

Another talked of cancelling lunch plans in Koreatown as a precaution while a third asked for advice if ICE came to her home

“If someone knocks on my door, should I open it or not?” one post read. “I’m terrified.”

Much of the nation’s attention on ICE deportation efforts have centered around Minnesota where ICE agents shot and killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

The state is home to the largest concentration of Korean adoptees. While most of the conversation has evolved around food, the volunteer Adoption Hub felt it necessary to issue a statement about ICE, reported Good Good Good.

“Our community has always been rooted in resilience, connection and care for one another. As a small nonprofit serving Korean and transracial adoptees, we want to remind our community to remain vigilant, aware and mindful of personal safety,” it said.

It urged the transracial adoption community to watch out for each other.

In Korean churches, the conversations often goes from “the law is the law” to showing compassion for those trying to look out for their families.

“There’s a lot of … churches that are trying to figure out [how to] disciple people in the midst of all the political division that we’re seeing?” said Raymond Chang, president of the Asian American Christian Collaborative to Christianity Today. “The conversation is so polarizing and toxic and loud.”

Deacon Samuel Shon thinks following the law is a way to honor God. At the same time, he feels for those who face deportation. His parents came to the U.S. from Korea in the 80’s and followed the legal process to gain citizenship.

“A crime is a crime, but that does not mean that I’m less compassionate on the person,” Shon said. “I feel for them, because they’re just trying to do what’s best for their family, for their individual selves.”

Christina Shin supports efforts by the Korean American Sanctuary Church Network to offer shelter, legal aid and financial assistance to immigrants.

She told Christianity Today, “We should take care of the weak and the people who are not privileged enough to go through the right process.”