The visiting room of the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Centre in Bakersfield, California, is small, loud, and crowded. When Harjit Kaur's family arrived to see her, they could barely hear her - and the first words they caught shattered them. She said, 'I would rather die than be in this facility. May God just take me now, recalled her distraught daughter-in-law, Manjit Kaur.
Harjit Kaur, 73, who unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the US, and has lived in California for over three decades, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on September 8, sparking shock and sympathy from the Sikh community across the state and beyond.
Since her last asylum appeals in 2012 were rejected, she was required to check in with immigration authorities every six months. Her arrest occurred during one of these scheduled visits in San Francisco.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, focusing on alleged illegal immigrants. With over 3.7 million asylum cases pending in US immigration courts, the issue remains sensitive across the nation. Critics argue that immigrants without criminal records are being wrongfully targeted.
California State Senator Jesse Arreguin condemned the action, stating, Over 70% of people arrested by ICE have no criminal conviction. They are literally going after peaceful grandmothers. This shameful act is harming our communities.
Harjit Kaur's Congressman, John Garamendi, expressed concern about the treatment of a respected community member like her with no criminal record. Supporters have protested, demanding her release, highlighting her years of service and roots in the community.
Amid the ongoing protests and public outcry, it remains urgent for Harjit Kaur's family and supporters to secure her release from detention, hoping to resolve her immigration status effectively.
Harjit Kaur, 73, who unsuccessfully applied for asylum in the US, and has lived in California for over three decades, was arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials on September 8, sparking shock and sympathy from the Sikh community across the state and beyond.
Since her last asylum appeals in 2012 were rejected, she was required to check in with immigration authorities every six months. Her arrest occurred during one of these scheduled visits in San Francisco.
This incident is part of a broader crackdown on immigration by the Trump administration, focusing on alleged illegal immigrants. With over 3.7 million asylum cases pending in US immigration courts, the issue remains sensitive across the nation. Critics argue that immigrants without criminal records are being wrongfully targeted.
California State Senator Jesse Arreguin condemned the action, stating, Over 70% of people arrested by ICE have no criminal conviction. They are literally going after peaceful grandmothers. This shameful act is harming our communities.
Harjit Kaur's Congressman, John Garamendi, expressed concern about the treatment of a respected community member like her with no criminal record. Supporters have protested, demanding her release, highlighting her years of service and roots in the community.
Amid the ongoing protests and public outcry, it remains urgent for Harjit Kaur's family and supporters to secure her release from detention, hoping to resolve her immigration status effectively.
