Visits to gurdwaras, primarily in New York and New Jersey by US Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officials searching out illegal immigrants have begun. A host of incensed Sikh organizations have unleashed sharp criticism; most regard such action as a threat to the very sanctity of their faith.
Gurdwaras in some of those states have been used, reportedly, as a hub for Sikh separatists and undocumented immigrants. After the inauguration of President Donald Trump, Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued an order rescinding guidelines set during the Biden administration.
Those guidelines had limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actions in so-called “sensitive” areas, which included places of worship such as gurdwaras and churches.
A DHS spokesperson said the new policy is actually an empowerment of CBP and ICE to enforce the laws on immigration and arrest people who have entered the country illegally, including dangerous criminals. “Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” the spokesperson said, adding that the administration trusts law enforcement to use discretion.
In response, SALDEF expressed deep concern on the removal of protections for sensitive areas. “This troubling shift in policy comes on the heels of reports of DHS agents visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey shortly after the directive was issued,” noted SALDEF.
Kiran Kaur Gill is the executive director of SALDEF. Gurdwaras are very important community centers and a source of spiritual solace, she explained, adding, “To use these as a site for enforcement action sends a real chilling message and threatens the sanctity of our faith to immigrant communities nationwide.”.
The Sikh Coalition said that the decision to rescind the protected areas policy-issued by the Trump administration’s DHS-would open the door to increased enforcement and surveillance at gurdwaras. “The idea that our gurdwaras could be subject to government monitoring and raids is anathema to the Sikh faith tradition,” the Coalition said.
They added that the result would be to discourage religious gatherings and practices, as both documented and undocumented Sikhs would be too fearful. “If there are concerns about gurdwara raids and surveillance, attendance will suffer, which will impact the ability to practice their essential religious practices,” said the Sikh Coalition in a warning.
They are concerned for the protection of the holy place and free exercise of the right to worship and as such, the Sikh community is still making appeals to the governments.
