Sikh groups criticize Homeland Security visits to gurdwaras, call it a threat to sanctity

Washington: The US Department of Homeland Security has initiated visits to gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey to monitor the presence of illegal immigrants. This move has drawn sharp criticism from Sikh organizations, which view the actions as a threat to the sanctity of their places of worship.

Some gurdwaras in the region are reportedly frequented by undocumented immigrants and Sikh separatists, prompting these inspections. The visits began shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamin Huffman issued a directive revoking Biden-era guidelines that restricted immigration enforcement actions in “sensitive areas,” such as places of worship, hospitals, and schools.

The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) expressed grave concern over the repeal. “Ending protections for sensitive areas and targeting places of worship like gurdwaras is deeply troubling,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF’s executive director.

She said that gurdwaras are more than places of worship—they serve as vital community hubs offering food, spiritual support, and assistance to Sikhs and the broader community.

The Sikh Coalition shared similar views, calling the policy change “unacceptable” and warning of potential government surveillance and raids on gurdwaras by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

“This decision sends a chilling message to migrant communities and undermines the Sikh tradition of open and inclusive worship,” the organization said in a statement.

The backlash highlights growing concerns over the broader implications of immigration enforcement policies under the new administration.