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Descendants of Japanese American Incarceration Survivors Speak Out
Mile High JACL hosts remembrance event, drawing parallels to today's immigrant detentions
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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The Mile High Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) is hosting a Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, February 22nd to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the unjust incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Descendants of those imprisoned are sharing their family's stories, urging the community to never forget what happened and drawing parallels to the ongoing detentions of immigrants in the U.S. today.
Why it matters
The unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII is a dark chapter in U.S. history that many feel is being repeated today with the detentions of immigrants. The Mile High JACL event aims to educate the public, honor the past, and inspire action against racial injustices.
The details
On February 19, 1942, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, leading to the incarceration of over 120,000 Japanese Americans in camps across the country, including more than 7,000 people sent to the Amache camp in southeastern Colorado. Decades later, descendants of those imprisoned are speaking out, seeing parallels between this history and the current detentions of immigrants by ICE.
- Executive Order 9066 was issued on February 19, 1942.
- The Mile High JACL is hosting a Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, February 22, 2026.
The players
Mile High Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
A local chapter of the national Japanese American Citizens League, an organization dedicated to defending the civil rights of Japanese Americans and promoting cultural awareness.
Dylan Mori
President of the Mile High JACL, whose grandfather was imprisoned at the Amache incarceration camp during WWII.
What they’re saying
“History doesn't always repeat, but it sometimes rhymes, and I definitely think this is one of those instances.”
— Dylan Mori, President, Mile High JACL
“You see a lot of parallels with what's happening now in our society with ICE raids and immigrants and people being targeted by the government, being taken from their homes, imprisoned.”
— Dylan Mori, President, Mile High JACL
“Everyone in this country is worthy of dignity and respect and having freedoms and having their rights both legally and socially. Regardless of why you're here, I think you're entitled to those rights and deserve to be treated with dignity.”
— Dylan Mori, President, Mile High JACL
What’s next
The Mile High JACL's Day of Remembrance event on Sunday, February 22nd is free and open to the public, starting at 1 p.m. at History Colorado.
The takeaway
This event highlights how the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII continues to resonate today, as descendants draw parallels to the ongoing detentions of immigrants. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need to stand up against racial injustices and protect the rights and dignity of all people, regardless of their background or immigration status.
