US Officials raid Gurdwaras in NY, NJ, seeking ‘Illegal Aliens’
On Sunday, immigration enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted raids at gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey, searching for “illegal immigrants.” This action has sparked a strong reaction from Sikh organizations across the US.
The Trump administration has frequently used the term “illegal aliens” to describe undocumented immigrants. A spokesperson for DHS emphasized that the goal was to empower law enforcement to arrest “criminal aliens,” including individuals involved in violent crimes such as murder and rape. The administration argued that immigrants could no longer hide in schools or churches to avoid arrest.
Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the administration has intensified immigration enforcement, reversing prior policies set by the Biden administration. The new directive lifted restrictions on enforcement actions near “sensitive areas,” such as places of worship like gurdwaras and churches. This shift in policy has raised concerns about potential raids targeting religious buildings.
Vice President JD Vance defended the action, saying that immigration raids in such locations were not unique, particularly when individuals with criminal backgrounds were involved. He stated, “If you have a person convicted of a violent crime, whether they are an illegal immigrant or not, you have to go and get that person.”
The Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF) strongly criticized this change in policy. Kiran Kaur Gill, the organization’s executive director, voiced deep concern over the decision to eliminate protections for sensitive areas, like gurdwaras. She called the raids a threat to the sanctity of Sikh faith and an intimidation tactic aimed at immigrant communities. The DHS actions came soon after the new directive was issued, causing heightened alarm in the community.
The Sikh Coalition also voiced their concerns, stating that the new directive limits Sikhs’ ability to gather and practice their faith freely. The group expressed outrage at the idea that gurdwaras could be subject to government surveillance or raids by armed law enforcement. They warned that such actions could discourage attendance at gurdwaras, disrupting essential religious practices.
Both organizations argue that the raids could lead to increased fear among undocumented immigrants, making it harder for them to seek refuge in places of worship. They believe this policy undermines the right of communities to gather without fear of being surveilled or raided by law enforcement.
As the debate continues, the Sikh community remains vigilant, worried that the sanctity of their religious spaces and their ability to worship freely may be compromised. The implications of these actions will likely resonate throughout immigrant communities across the country, creating lasting concern about the future of their rights and freedoms.
