A 73-year-old Sikh woman, Harjit Kaur, was detained by US immigration authorities in California after a routine check-in, prompting protests and concerns from her family and community members. The detention of Harjit Kaur, a resident of Northern California for over 30 years, occurred earlier this week during a routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Her family and hundreds of community members organized a protest Friday to demand her immediate release. The focus of this protest centers on Harjit Kaur’s decades-long cooperation with ICE, highlighting the concerns surrounding her unexpected detention. This incident underscores the complex issues surrounding immigration policy and its impact on individuals and families.
ICE Detention and Community Response
Harjit Kaur was taken to a detention center in Bakersfield after ICE requested additional paperwork. Reports indicate that she was undocumented, having arrived in the United States in 1992 from India. Despite having her asylum case denied in 2012, she had consistently reported to ICE in San Francisco every six months for over 13 years. ICE had reportedly assured her that she could remain under supervision and work legally until her travel documents could be processed. The Friday protest was organized by Kaur’s family, community groups, and included representatives from Congressman John Garamendi’s office and local elected officials.
Congressman’s Intervention and Community Support
Congressman Garamendi stated that his office has contacted ICE to request Kaur’s release. He expressed concern about the detention, noting that the administration’s decision contradicts previous statements regarding immigration policy priorities. Garamendi emphasized the family’s commitment to supporting Kaur’s case. Local council member Dilli Bhattarai also voiced support for Kaur’s release, asserting that she is a law-abiding community member and should not be detained. Bhattarai is exploring ways the city can pressure the federal government to release her. The broad community support for Harjit Kaur highlights the deep concerns surrounding her detention.
Harjit Kaur’s Background and Family Concerns
Harjit Kaur worked for over two decades at a local Indian clothing store. Her granddaughter described her as an independent, selfless, and hard-working individual, a mother figure to the community. The family expressed serious concerns about her health, noting that she suffers from thyroid disease, migraines, knee pain, and anxiety. They fear for her well-being while detained, given her age and health conditions. The detention of Harjit Kaur raises questions about the application of immigration policies towards long-term residents with health vulnerabilities and strong community ties.
Key Facts
- 73-year-old Harjit Kaur detained by ICE in California.
- Family and community organized protests demanding her release.
- Kaur had reported to ICE regularly for over 13 years.
- Concerns raised about Kaur’s health and well-being in detention.
- Congressman Garamendi’s office intervened, requesting her release.
Background
Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Sikh woman, immigrated to the United States from India in 1992. She has resided in Northern California for over three decades. Despite having her asylum claim denied, she consistently complied with ICE check-ins. Her detention, following a routine check-in, led to widespread community outrage and calls for her release.
What’s Next
Congressman Garamendi’s office is working to secure Harjit Kaur’s release. Local officials are exploring options to put pressure on the federal government. The family continues to advocate for Kaur’s return home, citing health concerns and emphasizing her long-standing ties to the community. The outcome of this case may impact future immigration enforcement procedures and the treatment of long-term residents.
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