Sikh Civil Rights Group Challenges Federal Government Over “Secret Police” Tactics in California Immigration Raids

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 12, 2026

Contact: media@saldef.org

Sikh Civil Rights Group Challenges Federal Government Over “Secret Police” Tactics in California Immigration Raids

Washington, D.C. – In a legal showdown over masked federal agents and concealed badges during immigration enforcement, SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) has joined a federal court brief defending the ban against “secret policing” and vigilante impersonation.

The amicus brief, filed in United States v. California in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, supports two state laws under federal attack: SB 627, the No Secret Police Act, and SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act. The Trump administration is seeking to block both laws through a preliminary injunction.

SALDEF joined Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) and Bird Marella, Rhow, Lincenberg, Drooks & Nessim, LLP in defending the laws, which were enacted after expanded immigration raids in which officers concealed identities and obscured official insignia, practices the brief calls a “sharp break from longstanding law enforcement norms.”

“When law enforcement officers conceal their identities or when non officers impersonate police, community members who are already vulnerable due to religious profiling, language barriers, or immigration status are placed at serious risk,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “California’s No Secret Police and No Vigilantes Acts are common sense protections,” Gill added. “They safeguard civil liberties, prevent abuse, and ensure that immigrant communities are not terrorized by an unaccountable force.”

The brief highlights how masked officers and hidden badges intensify fear and trauma for individuals with limited English proficiency, hearing impairments, or prior experiences with state or vigilante violence. Many Sikh Americans rely on visible markers of authority to distinguish legitimate law enforcement from criminal actors, particularly given the community’s history with hate violence.

SALDEF’s involvement in this amicus brief reflects its longstanding mission to protect the civil and human rights. As the court considers the federal challenge, SALDEF will continue to stand with affected communities to ensure transparency, accountability, and equal protection under the law.

About SALDEF
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund is the nation’s oldest Sikh American civil rights organization, working to protect the rights of Sikh Americans through policy advocacy, public education, and community empowerment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 7, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Organizations Condemn Governor Newsom’s Veto of SB 509

As organizations committed to defending civil rights and democratic freedoms, we are profoundly disappointed in Governor Newsom’s veto of SB 509, a measure that would have fortified California’s ability to counter growing patterns of transnational repression (TNR) – harassment, intimidation, surveillance, or threats by foreign governments targeting individuals on U.S. soil. 

If enacted, this bill would have directed the California Office of Emergency Services to develop and regularly update a training program for law enforcement that provides them with the tools necessary to identify, prevent, and respond to the intimidation of Americans by foreign governments. California is home to vulnerable diasporic communities that face a heightened risk of TNR. By vetoing SB 509, the governor missed a critical opportunity to protect Californians from foreign interference and ensure that California stands firmly against entities that weaken democratic safeguards. The decision leaves vulnerable communities without a critical tool that could have been solidified via statute, thereby leaving bad actors to continue their threats and intimidation campaigns unchecked. 

The veto of SB 509 is a setback for the safety and security of all Californians. We stand together to reaffirm the foundational freedoms that everyone is entitled to, including the right to speak freely without fear of foreign interference. Californians deserve to have their voices protected from intimidation, and to have leadership that prioritizes protecting their civil rights. We call on the international community, particularly the United States, to take a strong stance against transnational repression, including ongoing attacks on human rights and free speech. 

Signed:

Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund 

Hindus for Human Rights

The Sikh Coalition 

Amnesty International USA 

South Asian Network 

Uyghur Human Rights Project 

Indian American Muslim Council 

India Civil Watch International

Human Rights in China

Hong Kongers in San Diego

Washingtonians Supporting Hong Kong (DC4HK)

ChinaAid Association

Overseas Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Alliance

Humanitarian China 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 14, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Vetoed but Not Silenced: SALDEF Statement on SB 509

Sacramento, California — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) expresses profound disappointment in Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to veto SB 509, legislation that would have provided critical protections against transnational repression and enhanced law enforcement training to better serve California’s Sikh community.

While we are disheartened by this outcome, we are deeply moved by and profoundly grateful for the overwhelming community support demonstrated throughout this legislative process. Sikh Americans, civil rights advocates, and allies across California came together in an unprecedented show of solidarity: signing petitions, attending hearings, contacting their representatives, taking time away from work and family to testify, and making their voices heard in Sacramento.

Your dedication, your courage, and your unwavering commitment to this cause have been nothing short of extraordinary. This coalition understood that transnational repression is not just a Sikh issue, but a threat to all Californians and to the fundamental values of safety and freedom that define our state.

“The veto of SB 509 is a setback for the safety and security of all Californians,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “At a time when foreign governments seek to intimidate and silence their critics on American soil, this legislation would have equipped law enforcement with the tools and training needed to protect all residents. The outpouring of support we witnessed from community members who took time away from work and family to testify, to the countless individuals who contacted their representatives demonstrates that Californians understand what’s at stake. Together, we will create the California we all deserve, one that truly protects all its people.”

SALDEF remains committed to advancing policies that protect our community from transnational repression, ensure law enforcement is equipped to recognize and respond to these threats, and safeguard the civil rights of Sikh Americans. We are grateful to Senator Caballero for her leadership on combatting this issue and for every individual and organization that stood with us in support of SB 509.

Today’s setback does not diminish our hope but instead it fuels our determination. We invite all Californians who believe in safety, justice, and the fundamental right to live without fear to join us in building a future where every person can speak freely, practice their faith openly, and thrive without intimidation.

🎥 Film Preview + Conversation in San Diego, CA

Join SALDEF and the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California on October 2, 2025, at 5 p.m. for a special film-in-progress preview with award-winning filmmaker Mridu Chandra.

View never-before-seen footage from Saund vs Cochran, a nonpartisan documentary in development about how Dalip Singh Saund made history as the first Asian, Indian, and Sikh American elected to the U.S. Congress, serving California’s 29th District from 1957–1963.

Don’t miss this chance to engage in a powerful conversation about Saund’s legacy and its continued relevance today.

👉 RSVP now for FREE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saund-vs-cochran-film-in-progress-preview-event-tickets-1712288213139

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 10, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Celebrates Passage of SB 509 in the California State Assembly, Urges Senate and Governor to Act Swiftly

Sacramento, CA — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) celebrates the passage of SB 509 through the California State Assembly. This landmark vote marks a decisive step forward in California’s commitment to protect its residents from transnational repression and to strengthen civil rights for all.

As part of a broad and inclusive coalition, SALDEF helped strengthen this effort by mobilizing Sikh voices and extending our reach beyond the Sikh community. We brought together non‑Sikh partners and Californians impacted by transnational repression to ensure that this legislation reflects collective concerns and shared values. We are grateful to Senator Anna Caballero for her leadership in introducing SB 509 and her unwavering commitment to protecting California’s vulnerable communities. We also thank Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains for her strong support and advocacy, which were critical in securing passage through the Assembly. Their dedication helped advance this vital measure that equips law enforcement with the tools to recognize and respond to transnational repression perpetrated by foreign governments.

“The passage of SB 509 is more than a legislative milestone; it marks a strategic inflection point for equity and justice. SALDEF is proud to have catalyzed a coalition that spans Sikh Americans, allied organizations, and directly affected Californians, demonstrating how diverse communities coming together can translate shared concern into meaningful policy,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “As this bill moves forward, our focus must shift to ensuring its implementation delivers concrete, lasting protections, not mere symbolism.”

As SB 509 awaits the Senate’s consideration, SALDEF calls on the Senate to approve the amended bill without delay and on Governor Gavin Newsom to sign it into law promptly. Time is of the essence for safeguarding our communities from transnational threats and reinforcing California’s role as a national leader in civil rights protections.

While we celebrate this legislative success, our work continues. SALDEF remains committed to engaging our community, educating law enforcement, and uniting with coalition partners to ensure SB 509 becomes not just an act on paper, but a framework for real-world impact.

About SALDEF

Founded in 1996, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is the oldest Sikh American civil rights organization. SALDEF’s mission is to protect the civil rights of Sikh Americans and ensure a national voice for our community through advocacy, education, and leadership development.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 29, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Applauds Assembly Appropriations Committee Passage of SB 509, a Landmark Bill to Combat Transnational Repression in California

Sacramento, CA — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund)  applauds the California Assembly Appropriations Committee for advancing SB 509, a groundbreaking bill that confronts the growing threat of transnational repression.

SB 509 requires California law enforcement agencies to receive training to recognize and respond to cases where foreign governments target, surveil, or intimidate individuals on American soil including Sikh Americans, Chinese democracy advocates, Uyghurs, Tibetans, Iranian dissidents, and other immigrant communities.

The passage of SB 509 through the Appropriations Committee follows compelling testimony from SALDEF and Sikh community members, whose voices underscored the urgent need for this legislation. Their advocacy demonstrates the power of civic engagement and the real impact communities can make when they speak out.

“The Appropriations Committee’s passage of SB 509 is a powerful acknowledgment that Californians deserve safety from harassment and intimidation, regardless of where it originates,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “For too long, diaspora communities — including Sikhs — have lived under the shadow of foreign repression. This bill ensures our law enforcement agencies are trained to meet the threat with seriousness, accountability, and urgency.”

Transnational repression is a growing tactic used by authoritarian regimes to silence critics abroad, often through threats, surveillance, and intimidation. California — home to some of the nation’s largest immigrant communities — has become a critical front in ensuring these threats do not undermine safety, democracy, or free expression.

Authored by Senator Anna Caballero (D-14), SB 509 now heads to the Assembly floor for a final vote.

“SB 509 is not just a bill for one community — it is protection for all communities who have chosen California as their home,” said Gill. “SALDEF urges continued support for this legislation as it moves to the Assembly floor. Together, we can ensure that California takes a historic step toward protecting vulnerable communities and strengthening democracy.”

About SALDEF

Founded in 1996, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is the oldest Sikh American civil rights organization. SALDEF’s mission is to protect the civil rights of Sikh Americans and ensure a national voice for our community through advocacy, education, and leadership development.

A Call for Truth and Accountability in North Hollywood

On Tuesday afternoon, I received a call from Gurdial Singh ji, the brother of Harpal Singh ji who was violently assaulted in the parking lot of the 7-11 in North Hollywood, just a couple doors down from the local Gurdwara where he stayed. 

The call was related to the preliminary hearing the next day. The defendant would be present and the DA would read the charges against him. Gurdial ji was calling local sangat members to attend the hearing to show support. I was surprised that after he shared the details of the hearing that the conversation quickly turned to food. 

He wanted to make sure no one was hungry at the hearing. He was planning to bring paronthey (stuffed or layered pan-fried flatbread) and daahi (yogurt) to the hearing, and he wanted to know if he should bring sabji (vegetables) as well. It took me back that in the face of such personal tragedy and loss this was focused on others, but in coming to know the family over the last several weeks I should not have been surprised at all. 

I have been in touch with Gurdial Singh ji and his family about the assault for several weeks now. Like everyone else, I saw the video of Harpal Singh ji with blood streaming down his face, clearly having been brutally beaten. In seeing these images, I was both deeply saddened and heartbroken. While I did not know Harpal Singh ji personally, the way he sat still and crossed legged in this moment of tragedy, to me signaled quiet strength, calm and fortitude in the face of senseless violence.  

In addition to being the Executive Director of SALDEF, I am also a resident of North Hollywood. My husband works walking distance from the 7-11 where Harpal Singh was assaulted. We are both intimately familiar with the area. In the course of the last couple weeks I have had the opportunity to have conversations with neighbors and sangat members about Harpal Singh, the North Hollywood community and the assault. From these many conversations, a clear picture of Harpal Singh ji emerges.  

Harpal Singh ji is a devout Gursikh who selflessly served his sangat and as well as the greater North Hollywood community. In speaking to community members, they recall Harpal Singh ji feeding the birds, providing meals to the hungry and helping those in need. Many fondly recalled seeing him on his daily walks.

Harpal Singh’s family lives out these values as well. I recall my conversations with the Bhai Sahibs at the North Hollywood gurdwara. They shared how Gurdial Singh ji frequently attends the gurdwara as early as 4 am to do seva.  That is why, in retrospect, I should not have been at all surprised that, the day before the hearing, a time in which Harpal Singh ji’s family would come face to face with the man who allegedly perpetrated a brutal attack against their loved one, their focus was on the community.  

Right now, this case is still under investigation by LAPD. The hearing this past Wednesday, August 27th, was called and moved to next Tuesday, September 2nd, at which time we will see the evidence presented by the DA’s office.

And yet, while Harpal Singh ji remains in critical condition, unable to speak for himself, the LAPD Chief of Police has publicly labeled the attack as a “property dispute”. To me and many in our community, this feels not only premature but also deeply inconsistent with the Harpal Singh ji that we know, or in my case, have come to know. Unless there are witnesses who saw what led up to the assault or there is evidence of what led up it, there will be a piecing together of the facts. Our community deserves the truth of what happened that afternoon. Harpal Singh’s family deserves accountability. And our sangat, which has shown such grace and resilience in the face of violence, deserves a legal system that honors their dignity rather than dismisses their pain.

As we seek the truth from our imperfect legal system, my sincere hope is that the verdict will be reflective of reality and that Harpal Singh’s family and our community will get the answers we so desperately seek.  

SALDEF continues to call for a full and thorough investigation. Above all, we ask for the truth of what happened to Harpal Singh ji the afternoon of August 4, 2025 in North Hollywood, CA. 

In pursuit of truth and justice,

Kiran Kaur Gill | SALDEF Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 11, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Statement on Violent Attack of Sikh Community Member in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA — Late last week, SALDEF received a report regarding a violent assault on Mr. Harpal Singh on the afternoon of August 4 outside a 7-Eleven in North Hollywood — within walking distance of the Lankershim Sikh Gurdwara of Los Angeles.

According to the family, Mr. Singh was attacked by unidentified individuals at approximately 3 p.m. Emergency services transported him to a local hospital, where he remains in the ICU after multiple surgeries to his head and face. SALDEF’s Executive Director, a North Hollywood resident, has been in direct contact with the victim’s family, the Los Angeles Police Department, and members of the sangat at the Lankershim Gurdwara to understand the situation and ensure the family receives necessary support.

“At this moment, our hearts are with Mr. Singh and his loved ones,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “We do not yet know whether this was a hate-motivated attack, but we do know that no one should fear for their safety in their community. Guided by Sikh values of nyay (justice), seva (selfless care), and Sarbat da Bhalla (the welfare of all), our focus must be on care, safety, and ensuring a full and thorough investigation.”

While the motive is still unknown, SALDEF remains committed to working with law enforcement, partner organizations and the family to ensure a complete and thorough investigation.

SALDEF will continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as they become available.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

Update: Arrest in North Hollywood Assault of Harpal Singh

LOS ANGELES, CA — SALDEF has been informed that the suspect in the assault of Mr. Harpal Singh in North Hollywood was apprehended by law enforcement last night at 9:40 p.m. PT. We are grateful for the swift action of the Los Angeles Police Department and for the cooperation of community members who assisted in the investigation.

Mr. Singh remains in the ICU as he recovers from multiple surgeries to his head and face. SALDEF continues to be in close contact with his family, offering support and ensuring that their needs are met during this difficult time.

While the motive for the attack is still under investigation, SALDEF remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a full and transparent process, and in advocating for the safety and dignity of all members of our community.

We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

Standing Against Hate: Defending Sikh American Values

SALDEF is deeply troubled by remarks made today by U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R-IL), which are not only inexcusable but also fundamentally at odds with the principles on which our country was founded. These remarks are now deleted.

Our nation’s strength lies in its diversity—in the rich tapestry of faiths, backgrounds, and cultures that define the American experience. To suggest that Sikhs—or our Muslim brothers and sisters—are not American is not only false, but dangerous. These statements, especially from a sitting member of Congress, have real and harmful consequences.

Sikh Americans already face discrimination, hate crimes, and targeted violence simply because of how we look and what we believe. Rep. Miller’s comments go beyond ignorance—they stoke the flames of bigotry and embolden those who seek to divide and harm.

We are calling on Rep. Miller to issue an immediate apology for her reprehensible remarks. We also urge House leadership and the Republican Party to clearly repudiate and condemn these statements.

At SALDEF, we welcome Representative Miller and her staff to meet and to offer a better understanding of the Sikh faith and the contributions of Sikh Americans to our nation.

Your support enables us to respond swiftly and forcefully when our community is under attack. Thank you for standing with us in defense of dignity, equality, and justice for all.

 

Historic Victory: SB 509 Passes CA Senate Unanimously!

We are thrilled to share that SB 509 has passed the California Senate floor with a unanimous 38-0 vote and bipartisan support! This overwhelming result reflects both the credibility of the bill and the strength of our community’s advocacy.

SB 509 is a landmark piece of legislation that:

  • Strengthens the protections of American sovereignty and freedom of speech
  • Defines transnational repression as a civil rights violation under California law. 
  • Directs the California Office of Emergency Services to train state and local law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to threats of transnational repression
  • Ensures that all Californians can safely exercise their First Amendment rights, without interference or intimidation from foreign entities.

With unanimous passage with every vote in the Senate, SB 509 is now poised to keep its momentum in the State Assembly. 

We want to recognize and thank everyone who helped make this win possible—especially the community members who showed up in person and educated legislators on the importance of anti-TNR police training, the Gurdwaras who signed letters of support, the community-based advocates drawn from across the diaspora and from across California, and for the countless California sangat who signed on to our support letter urging their Senators to vote YES on this bill. 

A special thank you Senator Anna Caballero (D-14) for authoring and carrying this bill to passage in the Senate, and to all partners involved in making this historic feat a reality: the Sikh Coalition, Jakara Movement, American Sikh Caucus, Hindus for Human Rights, and various civil rights leaders across the nation.

Together, we are helping California continue to lead in protecting the free speech rights of all diaspora communities from any foreign repression.