UNITED SIKHS expresses deep concern over the US Homeland Security agents visit Gurdwaras
SJ Singh/ Diaspora Correspondent/ January 27,2025
UNITED SIKHS expresses deep concern over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent decision to rescind guidelines that protected “sensitive areas,” such as houses of worship, from immigration enforcement actions. This troubling shift in policy has been accompanied by reports of DHS agents conducting enforcement activities at gurdwaras in the New York and New Jersey areas shortly after the directive was announced. These actions disregard the sanctity of Sikh religious spaces and the critical role they play in the lives of Sikhs and immigrant communities.
“UNITED SIKHS strongly condemns the recent raids and expresses grave concern over the potential disregard for the sanctity of Sikh religious spaces and homes during these operations,” said Gurvinder Singh, Director of UNITED SIKHS. “If these ‘special places’ include gurdwaras, we must underscore the 500-year-old protocols that require anyone entering to remove their shoes, cover their heads, and show the utmost respect to the sacred space and the living Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Violating these practices not only disrespects the faith of millions but undermines the principles of religious freedom that this country stands for. Similar concerns arise when ICE agents enter Sikh homes without adhering to these sacred traditions, especially if they fail to remove their shoes or cover their heads in spaces where the Guru resides. These actions could deeply offend and alienate the Sikh community, compounding the trauma of such raids.”
The rescinded protections for sensitive areas were essential to ensuring that places of worship, schools, hospitals, and other critical institutions remained safe havens for vulnerable populations. By removing these safeguards, DHS risks eroding trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement while violating the sanctity of spaces that are vital to the spiritual, cultural, and social well-being of millions. UNITED SIKHS urges DHS to respect the fundamental rights of all individuals, including the right to worship and live with dignity, without fear of intrusion.
UNITED SIKHS expresses deep concern over the US Homeland Security agents visit Gurdwaras . UNITED SIKHS calls on DHS to reinstate sensitive-area protections immediately and cease enforcement actions at gurdwaras and other places of worship. “We encourage community members to document and report any such incidents to UNITED SIKHS to ensure accountability and transparency,” added Gurvinder Singh. “We stand in solidarity with all immigrant communities and remain committed to protecting their rights, dignity, and religious freedoms. DHS must act in a manner that reflects the values of religious liberty, human rights, and equality that this nation aspires to uphold.”
