Government Determines Improper Immigration Detention WASHINGTON, DC – An Immigration Judge recently terminated further deportation proceedings against a Sikh man who was wrongfully detained by the government for a period of over 14 weeks. Sikh Mediawatch and Resource Task Force (SMART), the leading national Sikh American civil rights and advocacy group, was notified about Singh’s status the day after he was detained. SMART’s Legal Department provided legal guidance and was consulted by Singh’s attorney. During his detention, SMART attorneys were also present at several court hearings in Boston and Chicago. J. Singh, whose name is being withheld upon his family’s request, approached immigration officials late last year to check on the status of his green card application. Thereafter, Mr. Singh was detained for 14 weeks, on grounds that he was subject to deportation and had failed to appear for prior removal proceedings. Mr. Singh was not provided with actual notice of prior removal proceedings, nor was he properly subject to deportation. While in confinement, Mr. Singh was denied the right to wear his religiously mandated turban, a violation of applicable immigration regulations. Several weeks ago, an Immigration Judge ordered Mr. Singh’s release from custody after government attorneys failed to show cause for his continued detention pending a final removal hearing. SMART thanks members of the Boston Sikh community who assisted Singh’s attorney and provided support to the Singh family over the past several months.
