US immigration officials conduct raids in gurdwaras in New York, New Jersey
New York: Immigration enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conducted raids in gurdwaras across New York and New Jersey on Sunday to identify undocumented immigrants. The action has drawn criticism from Sikh organisations, which have expressed concern over the sanctity of their places of worship being compromised.
A DHS spokesperson defended the move, stating, “This action empowers CBP and ICE officials to enforce immigration laws and apprehend criminal aliens, including those involved in violent crimes such as murder and rape. Criminals can no longer use places like schools and churches as safe havens.”
The raids follow a policy shift under US President Donald Trump’s administration, which rescinded guidelines from the Biden era that protected “sensitive” locations such as religious institutions from enforcement actions.
Vice President JD Vance echoed similar sentiments, saying, “If a person convicted of a violent crime is hiding, law enforcement must act to ensure public safety, irrespective of their immigration status.”
However, the Sikh American Legal Defence and Education Fund (SALDEF) criticised the move. Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill expressed alarm over the targeting of gurdwaras, stating that the actions threaten the sanctity of the Sikh faith and send a “chilling message” to immigrant communities.
The Sikh Coalition highlighted concerns over decreased attendance at gurdwaras, which could impact the ability to practice essential religious activities. “The idea of armed law enforcement conducting raids in gurdwaras is unacceptable to the Sikh faith tradition,” the organisation stated.
The DHS actions are part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants, with several reported arrests and deportations under Trump’s immigration policies.
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Syeda Kashmira Simran clears Civil Judge Examinations in first attempt, secures 30th rank
Madikeri: In a major academic feat, Syeda Kashmira Simran, daughter of late Kashmir Simran Syed Nazir Ahmed and Syeda Nikhat Asma, founders of Mountain View School, Virajpet town, has been selected for the post of Civil Judge. She cleared and secured the 30th rank in the first attempt.
Syeda completed her primary and secondary education at Mountain View School, established by her parents in Virajpet, and pursued her pre-university education in Mangaluru.
She later obtained her BBA LL.B. degree from Vidya Vikas College in Mysuru.
In 2023, she began practicing as an advocate in Virajpet under the guidance of I.R. Pramod.
Speaking to Prajavani, Syeda said, “My father and mother gave high priority to education. They also strongly believed that girls should pursue higher education and lead a self-reliant life. I am now satisfied that I have fulfilled their dream.”
So far, four advocates who trained under the guidance of I.R. Pramod has been selected as Civil Judges.
More than 10,000 candidates appeared for the Civil Judge Examination, of whom 83 were selected. Among them, Syeda Kasmira Simran secured the 30th rank.
