JANM Stands in Solidarity with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Chicago

Editors please note: JANM’s Pavilion is closed for renovation; programs will continue on the JANM campus and at other locations at janm.org/OnTheGo. 

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) stands in solidarity with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) in Chicago. The NMPRAC was targeted by Department of Homeland Security agents to intimidate museum staff and visitors ahead of a lineup of Latine cultural celebrations. When a staff member permitted one of the agents to use the restroom, another agent followed inside and instead of using the facilities, they walked around the museum and refused to present identification or a warrant.

“JANM stands in solidarity with the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture (NMPRAC) and denounces this show of intimidation and force by ICE. Museums like NMPRAC are not just spaces for creativity, they are vital community hubs where stories are told, where culture and heritage are celebrated and where people find safety, identity, and belonging. A raid of this nature is a deliberate attempt to instill fear and flies in the face of the values that all museums uphold. At JANM, we celebrate diverse voices and perspectives because they matter. We will always remain vigilant and continue to speak out against actions and policies that erode civil rights, deny people their humanity, and attempt to undo decades of progress toward justice, equity, and inclusion,” said Ann Burroughs, JANM President and CEO.

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