US officials raid gurdwaras in New York, New Jersey to arrest “illegal aliens” in immigration crackdown

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) immigration enforcement officials visited gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey on Sunday as part of ongoing efforts to locate and apprehend undocumented immigrants. The visits follow the Trump administration’s decision to rescind Biden-era guidelines that had previously restricted immigration enforcement activities in “sensitive” areas such as places of worship, schools, and hospitals. These sensitive areas were shielded from enforcement actions under prior policies, but the Trump administration's new directive allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to conduct operations near these locations.

The recent DHS actions aim to identify and arrest individuals in the U.S. illegally, especially those with criminal backgrounds. A DHS spokesperson explained that the goal is to apprehend individuals with serious criminal records, including those convicted of violent crimes like murder and rape. The spokesperson emphasized that these individuals should not be able to evade arrest by hiding in places like gurdwaras, churches, or schools.

The change in policy has been met with significant criticism from several Sikh organizations. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) and the Sikh Coalition have expressed concern over the potential impact on gurdwaras, which serve as both places of worship and community support centers. Gurdwaras are central to the Sikh faith, offering spiritual services as well as social and charitable activities. These organizations argue that immigration enforcement at these sites could undermine the security and sanctity of these religious spaces, as well as discourage community members from attending out of fear of being detained or deported.

The decision to allow enforcement actions near sensitive areas is a shift from previous guidelines under the Biden administration, which had aimed to protect places of worship and other sensitive locations from such operations. The previous policy sought to ensure that immigrant communities could seek sanctuary and access essential services without the threat of immigration enforcement. Under the new policy, the DHS will no longer be restricted from conducting raids or surveillance in these areas, including at gurdwaras.

The DHS's enforcement actions come amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to increase immigration enforcement across the U.S. The administration has prioritized the apprehension of undocumented individuals with criminal convictions, particularly those involved in violent crimes. A DHS spokesperson stated that this is a necessary step to ensure public safety and uphold immigration laws. However, the actions have raised concerns within immigrant communities and religious organizations, particularly regarding the potential for raids and surveillance in places where individuals seek refuge.