Civic Engagement
Getting involved with policies that will determine our future.
Contribute to our thriving DFW Filipino American Community!
Getting involved with policies that will determine our future.
So keep up to date and make sure to vote! Below is information on upcoming elections, proposed laws that may be impactful to our community, and protest rights and saftey tips for those who particpate.
Practicing our democratic freedoms in the Primary Election by registering to vote and showing up on election day is the best way to ensure our voices are heard in shaping policies that directly impact our community. Voting empowers all Americans to support candidates who prioritize issues like immigration, business, healthcare, and education, which are vital to the future of our community in DFW. Strong voter turnout amplifies the people's influence in local and state governance, making our concerns as Filipino / Filipino Americans more visible and actionable.
Last Day to Register: April 27
Last Day to apply by mail: May 15
Early Voting begins: May 18
Early voting ends: May 22
Election Day: May 26 (Polls open 7 AM – 7 PM)
Republican Sen. John Cornyn vs Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for the Senate Seat.
Democrat State Representative Vikki Goodwin vs union representative Marcos Velez for the lieutenant governor position.
For the Attorney General election: Republicans Mayes Middleton vs Chip Roy and Democrats Joe Jaworski vs Nathan Johnson
Last Day to Register: October 5
Early Voting begins: October 19
Last Day to apply by mail: October 23
Early voting ends: October 30
Election Day / Last day to receive ballot by mail: November 3rd (Polls open 7 AM – 7 PM)
James Talrico vs Republic Runoff winner for the Senate Seat.
Governor: Greg Abbot vs Gina Hinojosa
Lieutenant governor: Dan Patrick vs Democrat primary runoff winner
Attorney General (candidates undecided)
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Don Huffines vs Sarah Eckhardt
Commissioner of General Land Office: Dawn Buckingham vs Benjamin Flores
Commissioner of Agriculture: Nate Sheets vs Clayton Tucker
Railroad Commissions: Jim Wright vs Jon Rosenthal
Texas Supreme Court Election. (See here for full list)
All 16 off-numbered seats in the Texas Senate (See full list here)
All 150 seats in the Texas House of Representatives (See full list here)
(Bold Districts = Within DFW)
District 2: Thomas Garcia vs Victoria Hinojosa
District 5: Democrat TBD vs Mica Arellano
District 6: Michelle Palmer vs Tiffany Nelson
District 7: Democrat TBD vs Julie Pickren
District 8: Dana Van De Walker vs Audrey Young
District 9: Kason Huddleston vs Ericka Ledford
District 13: Tiffany Clark vs April Williams Moore
District 14: Amy Taylor vs Mindy Bumgarner
Collin County Judge Election: John Brown vs Chris Hill
Dallas County Election: See full list here
Tarrant County Election: See full list here
If you have any difficulty when voting at the polls contact the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and Texas Civil Rights Project election protection hotlines:
English: 866-OUR-VOTE or 866-687-8683
Español: 888-VE-Y-VOTA or 888-839-8682
Asian Languages: 888-API-VOTE or 888-274-8683
Languages Supported:
Bengali / Bangla (বাংলা)
Cantonese (廣東話)
Filipino (Tagalog)
Hindi (हिंदी)
Korean (한국어)
Mandarin (普通話)
Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ)
Urdu (اردو)
Vietnamese (tiếng Việt)
Arabic: 844-YALLA-US or 844-925-5287
American Sign Language: 3010-818-VOTE or 301-818-8683
Disability Rights Texas: 888-796-VOTE or 888-796-8683
Eligibility: U.S. citizens aged 18 or older (or turning 18 prior to the election date)
Registration: Register online through the Texas Secretary of State or submit a paper application by the deadline
Voter ID: Bring an approved photo ID to the polls
A brief collection of proposed bills and policies that could have direct impact on the AAPI community as a whole or would affect a portion of our population. These items are currently trending and are subject to be updated monthly.
Bill filing will not begin until after November 9th, 2026.
Currently pending in Congress:
H.R. 22: SAVE act
Requires documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register for federal elections. Could disproportionately burden AAPI voters, especially naturalized citizens, elderly immigrants, and those with name/document discrepancies such as married women, by creating additional barriers to voter registration.
H.R. 25: FairTax act
Would replace federal income/payroll taxes with a national sales tax. Could increase costs on everyday goods, disproportionately affecting lower- and middle-income AAPI households and immigrant families who spend a larger share of income on necessities.
H.R. 899: Termination of Department of Education
Would abolish the U.S. Department of Education. Could reduce federal oversight of school equity, language-access programs, student aid administration, and civil rights protections that benefit many AAPI students and immigrant families.
H.R. 722: Life at Conception act
Establishes legal personhood at conception. Could lead to broad abortion restrictions and affect women’s reproductive healthcare access, especially in communities with existing language and healthcare-access barriers.
H.R. 38: Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Would require states to recognize concealed carry permits from other states.
H.R. 7: life-affirming medical care for women of all age
Would permanently restrict federal abortion funding and limit abortion coverage in subsidized health plans. Could reduce reproductive healthcare access for low-income women relying on Medicaid or subsidized insurance.
S. 26: Excluding locality adjustments from average pay
Would change how federal retirement pay calculations treat locality pay. Could reduce retirement benefits for federal workers in high-cost metro areas.
H.R. 129: Abolish the ATF Act
Would eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Could weaken federal firearm trafficking and explosives enforcement, which may concern AAPI communities advocating for stronger hate-crime and gun violence protections.
H.R. 236: Federal Employee Return to Work Act
Would deny certain pay increases to federal employees who telework regularly.
The right to peaceful protest is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, assembly, and the right to petition the government. This means individuals have the legal right to gather in public spaces: such as sidewalks, parks, and streets (with permits, if required)—to express their views, hold signs, chant, and march, as long as they do so without violence or significant disruption. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy and allows communities, including immigrant and marginalized groups, to voice concerns, demand change, and stand in solidarity without fear of legal retaliation simply for expressing their beliefs.
While the majority of participants at DFW events like the “No Kings” protest have remained peaceful, there are some unaffiliated with the cause who may intentionally provoke conflict, draw police response, or create chaos. These instigators can include:
Counter-protesters looking to disrupt or intimidate.
Undercover law enforcement or informants monitoring the crowd, which may lead to distrust, overreactions, or intentional causes of agitation.
Outside agitators who may attempt to escalate protests into violence to discredit the movement.
Online provocateurs encouraging property damage or confrontations on social media beforehand.
This page is dedicated to supporting the members of our community exercising their constitutional right for future protests.
Freedom of speech, assembly, and petition is protected by the First Amendment.
You have the right to protest peacefully in public spaces (sidewalks, streets, parks).
You can record or photograph public officials, including police, in public places. They cannot delete footage, demand to see it, or destroy your phone without a warrant.
You do not need a permit for a spontaneous protest in response to recent events (if you're on a sidewalk or public area and not blocking traffic).
You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions from police or immigration officers. If they are insistent, you can tell them you will not answer without an attorney- no matter your citizenship or immigration status.
You do not have to show ID unless you're driving or are being legally detained.
Legal documents, if on your person, must be shown to ICE Agents, as they may detain you regardless.
You can refuse a search of yourself, your belongings, or your phone (unless police have probable cause or a warrant).
If you are arrested, you have the right to ask for a lawyer and make a phone call.
DO NOT sign, say or agree to anything without a lawyer.
If police tell you to disperse, they must give you a chance to leave peacefully and a clear route to exit.
If you are in a public space and stopped by law enforcement or ICE agents, you may ask if you are free to leave, and then calmly do so if they say yes.
Go with a group or buddy you trust: stay together and have a plan to reunite if separated.
Wear nondescript clothing (no logos or identifying symbols) and comfortable shoes for walking or running.
While covering your face may help protect your privacy, you can become subject to laws prohibiting face masks. Check with your local ACLU affiliate for guidance in your area.
Bring only essentials: water, snacks, mask, first aid, emergency contacts, and a fully charged phone (preferably with location tracking off).
Replace your phone password with a code or letter password. Aggressors, Law Enforcement, and ICE agents may unlawfully attempt to forcefully use your fingerprint or Face ID.
Do not lie to law enforcement or immigration officers: silence is safer. Lies can be used against you in legal events.
Don’t answer questions about immigration status unless your lawyer is present.
Carry a “Know Your Rights” card with a lawyer’s contact info.
Write a legal aid number on your arm in permanent marker in case your phone is taken or you are detained.
Avoid wearing contact lenses—tear gas or pepper spray can cause more damage if trapped under lenses.
Stay on public property to avoid trespassing charges, and follow all lawful orders to disperse when issued. Avoid being on the streets or roads, as road-rage drivers or aggressors may attempt to hit you with a car.
Be alert to your surroundings, including potential agitators, undercover officers, and exit routes.
Do not engage with aggressive individuals—document incidents, but prioritize your safety.
If you see an ICE raid possibly happening, unmarked cars, or ICE agents in your area, call a hotline to report the sighting. This helps mobilize area organizations to help provide immediate assistance.
Text JOIN to 877-322-2299, and reply with your zip code to get alerts for ICE activity in your area from the Stop ICE Raids Alert Network. (You can also text REPORT to 877-322-2299 to report ICE activity.)
Record any and all information you can in a video or by writing things down. Get information from the person being detained (name, phone number, a phone number of a loved one, their address, etc.), as well as badge numbers of ICE agents, license plate numbers, and car details like color, make, model, and any distinguishing features.
If you can physically act as a translator or interpreter between immigrant communities and authorities, use that privilege to help!
For people who are not comfortable with protesting on the front lines, there is still plenty that you can do.
The Immigrant Legal Resources Center provides a myriad of resources for immigrant communities and supporters alike. These include:
Legal listservs to find trusted immigration legal support in your area or direct community members to
Print-at-home Know Your Rights cards — in nine different languages — that can be easily downloaded, printed, and distributed in any community
A Know Your Rights toolkit, full of helpful video and written tutorials to know and share
This applies to everyone, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Stay calm and do not resist — keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
Ask if you are free to go — if yes, walk away calmly.
If not free to go, say clearly: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
Do not answer questions or give explanations without a lawyer present.
Do not consent to any searches of your person, belongings, or phone.
Ask for a lawyer immediately.
Do not lie — it is better to stay silent than to give false information.
If you are a non-citizen, do not discuss your immigration status or country of origin.
Remember what the officers look like, their badge numbers, and where the arrest took place.
Write down everything you remember as soon as possible after release.
Contact a legal support hotline or bail fund if you haven’t already arranged one in advance.
Do not sign anything without reading it carefully or without your lawyer.
Filipino Americans and other immigrants, whether undocumented, visa holders, or permanent residents, still have constitutional rights, including the right to peacefully protest. However, your immigration status can increase your legal risk, so it’s important to take extra precautions:
Know Before You Go:
Avoid arrest at all costs. Any criminal charge, even a minor one, can affect your immigration case, visa renewal, or eligibility for permanent residency or citizenship.
Do not carry foreign passports or immigration documents unless absolutely necessary.
Do not disclose your immigration status to law enforcement or other protestors.
Memorize or write down an immigration attorney’s number and give it to a trusted contact.
If You’re Detained:
Say clearly: “I want to remain silent.”
Do not sign anything or consent to searches.
Ask to speak with your lawyer and contact an immigration legal aid group like RAICES Texas or Asian Texans for Justice.
If you fear ICE involvement, do not admit to being born outside the U.S. or provide country of origin without counsel present.
Safer Ways to Support:
Help with mutual aid, supplies, legal observing, or translation if protesting carries too much risk.
Attend virtual rallies, phone banking, or community organizing activities.
Share protest safety info and legal resources in Tagalog or other accessible formats for your community.
Remember: Exercising your rights matters- but doing so safely and strategically is key when immigration status is a concern.