Sikh granny's arrest by US immigration sparks community anger

September 20, 2025

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old woman who has lived in California for over three decades, was arrested by ICE on September 8 despite regularly reporting to immigration authorities for years after her final asylum appeal was rejected in 2012. Her detention has sparked outrage from the Sikh community and political figures, including California State Senator Jesse Arreguin and Congressman John Garamendi, who criticized the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities. While ICE maintains that Kaur has exhausted all legal remedies and must be deported, her family argues that she never opposed deportation but simply lacked the necessary travel documents to return to India.

Who is affected

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old woman who has lived in California for over 30 years
Kaur's family, including her sons (one a US citizen) and five US citizen grandchildren
The Sikh community in California and beyond who have rallied in support
Other immigrants without criminal records who may be targeted in similar enforcement actions
The broader immigrant community facing increased enforcement under the Trump administration

What action is being taken

US Congressman John Garamendi has submitted a request to ICE for Kaur's release
Kaur's lawyer Deepak Ahluwalia is following up with the Indian consulate for travel documents
The Indian consulate is "facilitating all necessary consular assistance"
Kaur's supporters are planning more protests in multiple US cities
A protest against her arrest has already taken place outside a Sikh temple in California

Why it matters

Kaur's case highlights tensions in US immigration enforcement priorities, with critics noting that even "peaceful grandmothers" with no criminal records who follow reporting requirements are being detained
It reflects broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration that has made ICE the highest-funded federal law enforcement agency
The case demonstrates challenges in the deportation system, as neither Kaur nor immigration officials have obtained necessary travel documents for over a decade
It raises concerns about treatment of elderly detainees in ICE facilities, with allegations of inadequate medical care and accommodation
The incident has mobilized the Sikh community in California, showing how immigration enforcement impacts specific ethnic communities

What's next

Kaur's family is seeking her immediate release from the detention facility, offering to accept ankle monitoring until travel documents are secured
Her lawyer is pursuing travel documents from the Indian consulate to enable her return to India
Supporters are planning additional protests in other US cities
The Indian consulate is continuing to provide consular assistance in the case

Read full article from source: BBC