FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2025
Contact: media@saldef.org
SALDEF Demands Accountability for 73-Year-Old Sikh Woman Subjected to Inhumane Conditions
San Francisco, CA – SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) condemns the inhumane treatment of Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Sikh woman, who endured deplorable conditions after being detained. While Ms. Kaur has now safely returned to India, the egregious mistreatment she suffered and along with the complete disregard for her human dignity throughout this process demand accountability and systemic reform.
Ms. Kaur, who lived in California for more than three decades and complied with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) requirements including biannual reporting for over 13 years without incident, was arrested by ICE on September 8 during a routine check-in in San Francisco. Despite being prepared to return to India as ordered by the courts, she was subjected to unconscionable treatment that violated basic standards of human decency.
Mr. Deepak Ahluwalia, Ms. Kaur’s legal counsel, expressed, “Ms. Harjit Kaur waited over 13 years for ICE to procure her travel documents. A 73 year-old grandmother with zero criminal history, who was neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community, should never have been detained – let alone treated the way she was while in ICE custody.”
During her detention at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield, California, Ms. Kaur was denied vegetarian meals, was not provided a bed, and suffered severe delays in receiving necessary medications. She endured overcrowded, loud, and distressing visiting conditions. Most disturbingly, she was transferred in the middle of the night to a detention facility in Georgia without notification to her family, community, or legal counsel. This cruel practice strips individuals of their fundamental right to maintain contact with support systems and legal representation.
“When this hit us, we didn’t even know where to start. At every phase, we were kept in the dark and had no idea what was next. The inhumane treatment she faced by ICE was deeply troubling, but her strength—and the incredible support from SALDEF, Deepak Ahluwalia, the Sikh Coalition, Jakara, Congressman Garamendi, and Harpreet Sandhu—helped her through.” shared Harjit’s close family friend, Heeral Mehta.
Ms. Kaur’s case exposes systemic failures within detention centers, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals who pose no threat to public safety. Her experience represents a broader pattern of dehumanizing practices that must be addressed through comprehensive reform and oversight. Working alongside Attorney Deepak Ahluwalia, SALDEF immediately mobilized to support Ms. Kaur by applying sustained pressure from elected officials on federal agencies and advocating for her dignified treatment.
“This case demonstrates the urgent need for accountability and humane treatment in our immigration system,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “No individual should endure such degrading treatment, especially someone who has faithfully complied with ICE requirements for over a decade. While we are relieved that Ms. Kaur has safely reached India, we will continue fighting to ensure no other person faces such inhumane treatment and that those responsible are held accountable.”
SALDEF calls on Congress and immigration authorities to implement immediate reforms to prevent similar abuses. SALDEF encourages community members to stay vigilant and visit www.saldef.org/kyr for resources to protect themselves and their loved ones.