US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have started visiting gurudwaras in New York and New Jersey as part of efforts to locate and detain undocumented immigrants, drawing criticism from Sikh organisations.

This action is part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration and has raised concerns among Sikh groups who believe it undermines the sanctity of their religious spaces. Some reports suggest that certain gurudwaras in these regions are used as gathering places by Sikh separatists and undocumented immigrants.

The shift in policy occurred after President Donald Trump assumed office, with Acting DHS Secretary Benjamin Huffman issuing a directive that reversed the previous administration’s guidelines on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations. The Biden administration had limited enforcement actions in sensitive areas like places of worship, including gurudwaras.

The DHS spokesperson explained that this move is intended to strengthen the enforcement of immigration laws, targeting criminal aliens, such as murderers and rapists, who have entered the US illegally. The spokesperson also emphasised that criminals will no longer be able to seek refuge in places like schools and churches to avoid arrest. 

Also read :

Colombia buckles: Trump shows how tariff threats will work if nations shun illegal migrants’ deportation