Amid a sweeping immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration, US law enforcement officials are reportedly targeting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey in search of illegal immigrants. According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has rescinded previous guidelines that restricted enforcement actions near sensitive areas, including places of worship, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organizations.
Revoking “Sensitive Area” Protections
In one of his first acts as President, Donald Trump reversed a Biden-era policy that limited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) activities in schools, hospitals, and religious spaces. Acting DHS Secretary Benjamine Huffman emphasized that the new directive allows agents to apprehend “criminal aliens,” including individuals charged with serious offenses, regardless of their location.
“This action empowers law enforcement to uphold immigration laws and catch criminals, including murderers and rapists, who enter the country illegally. Criminals can no longer hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest,” a DHS spokesperson stated.
Sikh Gurdwaras Under Surveillance
The DHS has reportedly identified some gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey as hubs for illegal activities, including sheltering undocumented immigrants and serving as spaces for Sikh separatists. Press Trust of India highlighted that DHS agents have conducted surveillance at these religious sites just days after the policy shift.
Community Backlash and Concerns
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) condemned the policy reversal and expressed alarm over enforcement actions targeting gurdwaras.
“We are deeply alarmed by the DHS decision to eliminate protections for sensitive areas and target places of worship like gurdwaras,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF’s executive director. She highlighted the vital role gurdwaras play as community centers offering spiritual solace and support. “Targeting these spaces threatens the sanctity of our faith and sends a chilling message to immigrant communities nationwide,” she added.
The Sikh Coalition echoed these concerns, stating that the rescinded protections open the door to raids and surveillance, disrupting religious practices.
“This policy undermines the Sikh faith tradition, which emphasizes community gathering and worship,” the organization said. “It also harkens back to dark periods in history when governments interfered in Sikhs’ ability to practice their faith freely—with devastating consequences.”
Fear of Diminished Attendance
Sikh organizations have warned that enforcement actions at gurdwaras could lead to decreased attendance, impacting religious practices and the ability to provide essential community services.
“If gurdwaras become targets for raids, immigrant communities—whether documented or undocumented—may avoid attending, which could disrupt religious and cultural traditions,” the Sikh Coalition stated.
Broader Implications
The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration continues to draw controversy for its approach to enforcement, particularly in sensitive community spaces. As Sikh organizations push back against these policies, the debate over the balance between national security and religious freedom intensifies.
For now, Sikh groups are calling for the reinstatement of protections for sensitive areas, urging the government to respect the sanctity of places of worship while addressing immigration issues.
Sources By Agencies
