Photo Source: ANI/Representative Image
United Sikhs to USA's Homeland Security deptt: "Protect the sanctity of religious places"
Babushahi Bureau
New York (USA), January 31, 2025: UNITED SIKHS, a United Nations-affiliated advocacy and human rights body today expressed 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 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, said United Sikhs spokesperson.
“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, headquartered at New York.
“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.”
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,” he added.