Investigating illegal immigration, Homeland Security officials visit gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey
Law enforcement officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have begun visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to investigate the presence of illegal immigrants, prompting strong backlash from some Sikh organizations who view these actions as a threat to the sanctity of their religious spaces. There are concerns that certain gurdwaras in these areas may be used as gathering points by Sikh separatists and harboring undocumented immigrants.
Within hours of Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president, acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Benjamine Huffman issued a directive reversing the Biden administration’s policy that had restricted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) actions near “sensitive” locations, including places of worship like gurdwaras and churches.
“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and apprehend criminal aliens—including murderers and rapists—who have entered our country illegally,” a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security stated.
“Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest. The Trump administration trusts law enforcement to use common sense, and will no longer tie their hands,” the spokesperson added.
However, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) expressed deep concern about the policy shift, which had previously protected sensitive areas from immigration enforcement. The policy change came soon after reports of DHS agents visiting gurdwaras in the New York and New Jersey area.
“We are deeply alarmed by the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to remove protections for sensitive areas and then target places of worship like gurdwaras,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, executive director of SALDEF. She emphasized that gurdwaras are not just religious centers, but vital community hubs offering support, nourishment, and spiritual care for Sikhs and others.
“Targeting these spaces for enforcement actions undermines the sanctity of our faith and sends a chilling message to immigrant communities nationwide,” Gill added.
The Sikh Coalition also condemned the policy reversal, which opened the door for ICE agents to conduct surveillance, investigations, and raids at gurdwaras, schools, hospitals, and other sensitive locations. “The idea that our gurdwaras could become subject to surveillance or raids by armed law enforcement, with or without warrants, is unacceptable within the Sikh faith tradition,” the Coalition said.
They further warned that such actions could significantly disrupt the religious practices of Sikhs by discouraging attendance at gurdwaras, potentially impeding their ability to carry out essential religious duties.
“The targeting of gurdwaras for enforcement could remind Sikhs of darker times in history when government interference in religious practice led to tragic consequences,” the Sikh Coalition stated.