US Agents Visit Gurdwaras in NY and NJ Amid Trump's
Intensified Immigration Crackdown

Los Angeles/Jan 27, 2025
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

In a move that has sparked concern among NRI Sikh communities, federal agents reportedly visited several gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey as part of an ongoing immigration enforcement campaign under the Trump administration's intensified crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
The visits, which took place in recent weeks, have raised questions about the administration's outreach to faith-based organizations and their role in immigration matters. Gurdwaras, which are Sikh places of worship, are known for their tradition of offering sanctuary and aid to individuals in need, regardless of their background or immigration status.

Outreach or Surveillance?
According to sources within the Sikh community, agents primarily sought information about undocumented individuals who may frequent the gurdwaras. While some community leaders have characterized the visits as routine outreach by law enforcement, others view them as an intimidating tactic targeting vulnerable immigrant populations.
"These visits undermine the sense of safety that our gurdwaras provide to the community," said Harjit Singh, a prominent Sikh activist in New Jersey. "Places of worship should be off-limits to enforcement activities, as they are sacred spaces for everyone, including immigrants."

Impact on Immigrant Communities
The visits come amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, which has prioritized the arrest and deportation of undocumented individuals. Many immigrants, including members of the Sikh community, fear that the presence of federal agents at religious institutions could lead to profiling or the targeting of individuals based on their immigration status.
Leaders of local gurdwaras have expressed concerns about the chilling effect these visits could have on their congregations. "Many people come to the gurdwara seeking comfort and support. Now they might hesitate out of fear of being monitored or reported," said Jaspreet Kaur, a member of a gurdwara in Queens, New York.

Calls for Action
Civil rights organizations and advocacy groups have called on the federal government to clarify its policies regarding immigration enforcement at places of worship. They argue that such actions violate the sanctity of religious institutions and risk alienating immigrant communities.
In response to the visits, several gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey are working with legal aid organizations to educate their congregations about their rights. Workshops and community meetings have been organized to ensure that individuals understand how to respond to law enforcement inquiries while protecting their legal and personal safety.

Government Statement
Federal agencies involved in immigration enforcement have yet to issue a detailed statement about the purpose of the visits. However, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) noted that the agency "respects sensitive locations such as places of worship" but did not rule out the possibility of visiting such locations when necessary.

A Community United
Despite the anxiety caused by these visits, the Sikh community remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting those in need. Gurdwaras continue to offer free meals, shelter, and legal aid to individuals facing hardship. Community leaders have emphasized the importance of solidarity during challenging times.
"Our faith teaches us to stand up for justice and help others without fear," said Balbir Singh, a gurdwara leader in New Jersey. "We will not let these actions shake our resolve to serve and protect our community."
As the immigration crackdown continues to unfold, communities across the country are bracing for its impact, hoping to strike a balance between cooperation with law enforcement and safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations.

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