Anti-Sikh Hate Crimes Increase Nearly 25% in 2025

Anti-Sikh Hate Crimes Increase Nearly 25% in 2025

Anti-Sikh hate crimes increased nearly 25 percent in 2025—even as reported hate crimes nationwide declined by 7 percent. This sharp reversal is more than a troubling statistic. It is a clear warning that Sikh Americans continue to face a serious and growing threat of hate and discrimination.

According to FBI data, 177 anti-Sikh hate crimes were reported in 2025, up from 142 in 2024—a 24.6 percent increase.  The increase is especially alarming because it runs directly counter to the national trend. While reported hate crimes overall fell from 11,404 to 10,606, anti-Sikh hate crimes rose by nearly one-quarter.

Anti-Sikh hate crimes were also the third most frequently reported religiously motivated hate crime in 2025. Of 2,408 reported religiously motivated hate crimes, 177 targeted Sikhs—approximately 7 percent. This is deeply disproportionate given that Sikh Americans make up only a small fraction of the U.S. population.

At the same time, FBI data represent only a portion of the hate experienced by Sikh Americans. Many incidents go unreported, while others may not be accurately identified, classified, or reported to the FBI. The true scope of anti-Sikh hate is likely greater than these numbers show.

SALDEF is calling on federal, state, and local authorities to treat this nearly 25 percent increase as an urgent warning sign—not a statistic to overlook. Law enforcement must strengthen prevention and response efforts, improve hate crime reporting and data collection, and ensure Sikh Americans have meaningful access to victim-support resources.