In a controversial move under President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on immigration enforcement, law enforcement officials in the United States have begun conducting reconnaissance of gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey. This development follows the revocation of a Biden-era policy that protected “sensitive” areas, such as places of worship, from immigration enforcement actions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reportedly targeted these Sikh temples, alleging they are being used as hubs by both undocumented immigrants and Sikh separatists. The reports, which first surfaced through Press Trust of India, have ignited heated debates and drawn widespread criticism from Sikh advocacy groups and immigrant rights organizations.
Trump’s Policy Shift Sparks Enforcement Actions
Within hours of Donald Trump’s swearing-in as the 47th President of the United States, Acting Homeland Security Secretary Benjamin Huffman rescinded a 2021 directive that limited immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations. This policy shift has granted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents greater leeway to pursue arrests and investigations in areas previously considered off-limits.
A DHS spokesperson defended the move, stating, “This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens — including murderers and rapists — who have illegally come into our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”
The Trump administration has justified the change as a measure to enhance public safety, but critics argue that the broad scope of the new directive could lead to significant overreach, with places of worship and community spaces caught in the crosshairs.
Sikh Groups Condemn Targeting of Gurdwaras
The raids and surveillance of gurdwaras have drawn sharp condemnation from Sikh organizations, who view the actions as a violation of religious sanctity and an attack on immigrant communities.
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) expressed grave concern over the DHS decision, calling it a “troubling shift” that undermines the protected status of sensitive areas. “This directive has already led to reports of DHS agents visiting gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF’s executive director. “Targeting places of worship sends a chilling message to immigrant communities and threatens the sanctity of our faith.”
Gurdwaras, which serve as spiritual, social, and cultural hubs for Sikhs and the broader community, may face diminished attendance and disruptions to essential religious practices, SALDEF warned. The organization emphasized the integral role of these spaces in providing food, shelter, and solace, particularly to marginalized groups.
The Sikh Coalition echoed these concerns, warning that the policy reversal could result in armed law enforcement conducting surveillance and raids at gurdwaras, even without warrants. “This is unacceptable to the Sikh faith tradition and harks back to dark periods in history when governments interfered in the ability of Sikhs to practice their faith freely — with deadly consequences,” the organization said in a statement.
Broader Implications for Immigrant Communities
The rollback of protections for sensitive areas has sparked broader fears among immigrant communities across the United States. Advocates warn that schools, hospitals, and social service centers — once considered safe spaces — could also become targets for immigration enforcement, eroding trust in vital public institutions.
For many undocumented immigrants, places of worship like gurdwaras have long been safe havens where they could seek community support without fear of detention or deportation. The recent policy changes, critics argue, undermine this sense of security and risk alienating vulnerable populations.
A Controversial Start to Trump’s Presidency
As President Trump’s administration moves swiftly to implement its hardline immigration agenda, the backlash from religious and immigrant groups highlights the contentious nature of these policies. Sikh organizations are calling for immediate action to restore protections for sensitive areas, emphasizing the need to balance immigration enforcement with respect for religious freedom and community safety.
The issue underscores a deeper divide in the nation’s approach to immigration, with many questioning the long-term consequences of prioritizing enforcement over empathy. As the debate unfolds, the Sikh community remains resolute in its efforts to protect its sacred spaces and uphold the values of inclusion and compassion.
