January 27, 2025: In a controversial move, US immigration enforcement officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted raids on gurdwaras in New York and New Jersey on Sunday. The operation, aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals classified as “illegal aliens,” has sparked outrage among Sikh organizations and civil rights groups.

The raids come as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, which has faced criticism for targeting places of worship. A DHS spokesperson defended the action, stating, “This empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and apprehend criminal aliens—including murderers and rapists—who have illegally entered our country. Criminals will no longer be able to hide in America’s schools and churches to avoid arrest.”

The current administration has reversed Biden-era guidelines that restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and places of worship. This policy shift has opened the door for raids in spaces previously considered safe havens for vulnerable communities.

Vice President JD Vance, addressing concerns over the raids, suggested that such measures are necessary for public safety. “If you have a person who is convicted of a violent crime, whether they are an illegal immigrant or not, you have to go and get that person to protect public safety,” Vance said. He maintained that targeting religious buildings for such actions is “not unique” to immigration enforcement.

Sikh organizations have expressed strong opposition to the raids, arguing that they violate the sanctity of religious spaces and intimidate immigrant communities. Advocacy groups are calling for a reassessment of policies that enable enforcement actions in places of worship, urging the administration to respect the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.

The raids have reignited debates about immigration policy and the balance between law enforcement and the protection of civil liberties, particularly in spaces integral to cultural and religious identity.