The removal of restrictions on ICE conducting raids in sensitive locations has sparked anxieties among Sikh communities across the US. Members report decreased attendance at gurdwaras, concerns about essential services, and fears of raids disrupting their religious practices.
Sikh community members said they have already seen how anxieties around immigration have impeded the way in which some, including naturalized citizens, practice their faith., hundreds of members of a Sikh temple in New York have stopped attending services regularly. Another gurdwara, or temple, in West Sacramento, California, has been fielding a half dozen calls daily from members fearful of immigration raids.
Thandi also said while the gurdwara provides food throughout the day, he’s noticed that around 100 or so people have shifted their meal times, opting to eat during less crowded hours, rather than join in the typical post-service lunch. He thinks the shift may be in order to avoid any potential encounters with ICE.
There are an estimated 500,000 Sikhs and more than 350 gurdwaras across the country, according to the Sikh Coalition, a national civil rights nonprofit. The group, who first arrived in the U.S. in the 1800s, have largely made homes in New York and California. But other areas have also become major cultural hubs, including Chicago, Oklahoma City and Dallas. While there’s no specific data on undocumented Sikhs, there are roughly 725,000 Indian undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
“Traffic is down in businesses,” Toor said. “Businesses are complaining about it. Traffic is down in places of worship, whether it is mosque or gurdwara.”
IMMIGRATION RELIGION SIKH COMMUNITY ICE RAIDS WORSHIP
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Sikh Community Fears ICE Raids at Places of WorshipFollowing the Trump administration's removal of restrictions preventing ICE from conducting raids at sensitive locations, including places of worship, Sikh community members nationwide are experiencing heightened anxieties. This has led to a decline in attendance at some gurdwaras, with individuals concerned about potential encounters with immigration agents. The article highlights the concerns of Sikh leaders and members about the impact on their religious practices and the sanctity of their temples.
Read more »
Sikh Community Grapples with Fears of Immigration RaidsThe rescinding of a policy protecting houses of worship from ICE raids has led to growing anxiety and attendance declines within the Sikh community. Gurdwaras are facing concerns about the safety of their members and the potential disruption of essential services they provide.
Read more »
Philadelphia Immigrant Community Fears Increased Raids Following ICE Car Wash OperationSeven people were detained, including members of local immigrant advocacy groups, during an ICE raid at a Philadelphia car wash. The incident has sparked fear among immigrants in the city, with organizations reporting increased calls from individuals fearing further raids and reluctant to leave their homes. Advocates are urging Mayor Parker to take a stronger stance against ICE activity and calling for increased support and information for the immigrant community.
Read more »
Fake Emails Trigger Fears of ICE Raids in North Carolina SchoolsFalse emails circulating in North Carolina, urging immigrant families not to send their children to school due to alleged ICE raids, have sparked alarm. Nash County Public Schools issued a warning, emphasizing the fraudulent nature of the messages and advising parents against engaging with them. The school district is investigating the incident and urges parents to report any suspicious communications.
Read more »
Fears of mass firings at FBI and ICE carries out raids in Denver: Morning RundownFBI agents are pushing back against the Trump administration, filing lawsuits aimed at preventing their dismissals and, for those who worked on Jan. 6 cases, keeping their names from being made public. NBC News' Kelly O'Donnell reports.
Read more »
NYC School Phone Ban Faces Opposition Amid Fears of ICE RaidsNew York Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to ban smartphones in schools by next year is facing resistance, particularly due to concerns about increased immigration enforcement under President Trump. Some parents and educators argue that the ban would leave vulnerable immigrant students without a lifeline in case of an ICE raid or other emergencies.
Read more »