SALDEF Secures Passage of Virginia’s House of Worship Safety Bill

For Immediate Release
Contact: media@saldef.org
Monday, March 3rd, 2025

SALDEF Secures Passage of Virginia’s House of Worship Safety Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) congratulates Virginia House Delegate JJ Singh on the successful passage of HB 2594, a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at developing best practices to keep houses of worship safe from hate crimes. This critical bill, now headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk for signature, is an important step in protecting communities of faith across the Commonwealth, including Sikh gurdwaras, from rising threats and acts of hate. Through dedicated advocacy, SALDEF not only championed this essential measure but also played a key role in rallying support from a diverse coalition of groups committed to protecting places of worship. This victory marks a critical step forward in enhancing the safety and security of places of worship across Virginia.

As the first turbaned Sikh elected to any state legislature in the United States, Delegate Singh’s leadership has already made history. Through this bill, he continues to demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that places of worship—spaces meant for prayer, community gathering, and peace—are protected and respected. By uniting various communities and organizations, SALDEF helped secure broad backing for the bill, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the Sikh community were central in the fight against rising threats and acts of hate. 

“This bill is a direct response to the concerns voiced by Sikh Americans and other religious communities who, far too often, find themselves targets of hate and intimidation,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “We commend Delegate Singh for his leadership and foresight in addressing these urgent safety needs, and we are proud to have supported this effort to protect not just gurdwaras, but all houses of worship across Virginia. This is the kind of proactive, inclusive policymaking that keeps our communities safe.”

“I’m grateful to SALDEF for providing insights and support in getting this legislation to the Governor’s desk,” said Delegate JJ Singh (VA-26). “This bill is an important step in keeping Virginia’s religious communities safe and ensuring our houses of worship remain places of peace and sanctuary.”

The House of Worship Safety Bill establishes best practices for safeguarding religious institutions, including security planning, emergency preparedness, and strategies to prevent and respond to hate crimes targeting faith communities.

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SALDEF Policy Expert: Upholding Community Values in a Shifting Political Climate

Check out our interview with SALDEF Policy Expert, Jyot Singh, to discuss SALDEF’s unwavering commitment to values-driven advocacy. Even amidst political volatility, we’re pushing for progress on issues like transnational repression and combating mis/disinformation, where bipartisan support exists. Continue reading to learn how SALDEF is pushing for change and how you can get involved.
What are SALDEF’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session, and how will these priorities benefit the Sikh community?

In terms of Washington, D.C., we are focusing on issue areas where there might still be a bipartisan consensus. For instance, legislation or resolutions standing opposed to transnational repression tend to draw in bipartisan sponsors and votes because that is an attack on citizens’ constitutional rights. We also anticipate continuing traction in the areas of mis- and dis-info and censorship, again because it is a bipartisan push to protect all Americans’ rights to access verified and accurate information about the world in which they live.

Sikh Americans are among many communities targeted offline and online in TNR efforts, and they deserve advocacy on those fronts no matter who is in office. More broadly, it is important to remain constant in values-driven community-based advocacy. Issues that matter greatly to our community, like immigration, are the subject of intense political activity and SALDEF prioritizes the continued presence of Sikh Americans advocating for Sikh Americans in these conversations alongside our allies in Congress, the dedicated civil servants with whom we continue to work, and in coalition with our fellow federal advocates in AANHPI civil society.

How does SALDEF collaborate with other organizations and coalitions to advance its policy agenda, and what are some recent examples of successful partnerships?

Research-driven narrative disruption is best achieved in partnership. Our Virtually Vulnerable landscape reportis a microcosm of our method: we worked with partner advocates from other ethno-religious groups in the Indian-American diaspora to share our experiences with the same basic set of tactics employed by the same repressive state on social media. In so doing, we began to operate in a narrative frame not of our individual groups (Sikh, Indian Muslim, progressive Hindu) set against a monolith but as a values-based coalition.

The feedback loop between our establishing technical expertise on policy issues via research and demonstrating that expertise in our advocacy is an open door: on every issue, we work in coalition with the right partners to amplify impact. We also use our presence in coalitions and working groups to build new coalitions with new partners, always keeping one step ahead of the narrative frames used by those who oppose progress on our priorities.

How can Sikh Americans get more involved in the policy-making process and advocate for their own interests?

You are your legislators’ boss.Even if you didn’t vote for them, the job they hold is done in the name of representing you, your interests, and your priorities in the corridors of power whether they are in Washington, D.C., the capital of your state, or even your county board. They operate offices in their districts intended to serve your constituents, and you should know who they are and where those offices are.

Community groups should invite these legislators to visit the gurdwara, and (especially at the local level) show up to meetings open to the public. Public policy to create services that you need is the core of how our government is intended to work, and so every word of every draft bill is uploaded on the internet for free. Safeguarding democracy is a responsibility we all share as citizens, but there is no reason to accept the notion that we can only engage in governing at the ballot box.

What inspired you to work in policy and advocacy, and what advice would you give to young Sikhs who are interested in pursuing similar careers?

I say this with a smile – we don’t all need to be doctors. The advice I would give is actually a bit broader than policy – I would advise all young Sikhs, and young people, to trust their gut and heart more than they trust people who say they know best. I am an advocate because this is the place my path led once I decided to trust myself about what I wanted. In my case, I knew what I wanted was work that was dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding – but I had to learn more deeply than that about my purpose.

For me, that purpose is doing my small part to defend and advance the great American experiment: the decision taken in 1776 to establish the world’s first government of the people, by the people, for the people. Any young Sikh who can look inside themselves, really listen to what moves them, and then pursue that purpose faithfully (in balance with the values our parents teach) will find the right path.

To stay updated on SALDEF’s advocacy efforts and discover ways YOU can support our policy agenda for Sikh Americans, sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter, The SALDEF Scoop, at tinyurl.com/saldefscoop!

For Immediate Release

February 20th, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Champions SB 509: Protecting Communities Against Transnational Repression

Sacramento, CA — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense & Education Fund) extends our gratitude to California State Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-14) for introducing SB 509 in the 2025-26 legislative session.

This bill takes a crucial first step in combating transnational repression faced by diasporic communities worldwide, including Sikh Americans, and ensuring the protection of American sovereignty and freedom of speech. It not only defines transnational repression as a grave human rights violation from which Californians must be protected, but it also mandates training for state and local law enforcement to recognize and respond to these violations effectively.

During the 2023-24 legislative session, SALDEF and partners, including the Jakara Movement, the American Sikh Caucus Committee, and the Sikh Coalition, collaborated with Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D-35) to introduce related legislation, which received unanimous support from the Assembly Committee on Emergency Services following testimony from Assemblymember Bains and SALDEF Board Member Kavneet Singh.

“In the early days of this new California legislative session, Senator Caballero has reignited an important effort with the introduction of SB 509 as we remain committed to combating the ongoing threat of transnational repression,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “If enacted into law, SB 509 will be a validation of our extensive effort to advance policy-based defenses against transnational repression. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to champion Senator Caballero’s efforts to establish California as the first U.S. state to formally oppose transnational repression.”

For Immediate Release

January 26th, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Condemns DHS Rescission of “Sensitive Areas” Guidelines Removing Protections for Gurdwaras

WASHINGTON D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) expresses grave concern over the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) recent directive rescinding the guidelines that designated “sensitive areas,” such as houses of worship, where immigration enforcement actions were previously restricted. This troubling shift in policy comes in tandem with community reports of DHS agents visiting gurdwaras in the New York and New Jersey areas just days after the directive was issued.

“We are deeply alarmed by the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to eliminate protections for sensitive areas and then target places of worship like gurdwaras,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “Gurdwaras are not just places of worship; they are vital community centers that provide support, nourishment, and spiritual solace to Sikhs and the broader community. Targeting these spaces for enforcement actions threatens the sanctity of our faith and sends a chilling message to immigrant communities nationwide.”

The rescinded guidelines recognized the critical need to protect spaces like gurdwaras, churches, mosques, and schools from enforcement operations to uphold trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. SALDEF strongly opposes any policies or actions that undermine these principles and violate the sanctity of places of worship.

SALDEF urges DHS to immediately reconsider this directive and calls on the broader community to report any additional incidents of enforcement actions at gurdwaras or other places of worship. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to holding DHS accountable to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with existing laws and the fundamental rights of all Americans.

“We encourage members of the Sikh community to remain vigilant and report any DHS activity at gurdwaras to SALDEF,” added Gill. “We are committed to advocating for policies that respect the civil rights and religious freedoms of all communities, and we will continue to push DHS to act in alignment with these values.”

 

Know Your Rights (Gurmukhi) Know Your Rights (English)

For Immediate Release

January 7th, 2025

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Mourns the Loss of Dr. Marwah, Campaign Leader for Congressman Dalip Singh Saund

WASHINGTON D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund), joins the nation in mourning the passing of Dr. Marwah, a trailblazing figure whose management of Congressman Dalip Singh Saund’s congressional campaign made history. Dr. Marwah’s leadership and vision played an instrumental role in the election of Congressman Saund, the first Asian American, Indian American, and Sikh American member of the United States Congress.

Dr. Marwah’s dedication to public service and his commitment to uplifting the voices of underrepresented communities exemplify the values of resilience and advocacy that continue to inspire generations of leaders. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots organizing and the enduring impact of representation in American democracy.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Marwah,” said SALDEF Executive Director Kiran Kaur Gill. “His role in Congressman Saund’s historic campaign was not just a victory for Sikh Americans but a milestone for all Americans. His work opened doors for countless others to follow in his footsteps, and his legacy will remain an inspiration to those fighting for equity and representation.”

As we reflect on Dr. Marwah’s extraordinary contributions, SALDEF reaffirms our commitment to honoring his legacy by continuing to advance the values of justice, equity, and inclusion that he so fervently championed.

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Former SikhLEAD Intern Takes on Hollywood

Jeevin Singh Neelam, a former SikhLEAD intern, recently made waves by appearing in a major role on CBS’s hit TV show S.W.A.T.!

In this insightful interview, we delve into Jeevin’s journey, from his early days as a SikhLEAD participant to his big-screen debut. We also discuss the importance of authentic Sikh representation in media and the role of organizations like SALDEF in empowering young Sikh talent.

How did being cast in this role personally impact you, and what did it mean to see yourself represented on a major platform like CBS?

Being cast in this role is my first “big, professional” role I guess you could say in this industry.

Being able to say I booked a guest star role on a Paramount CBS show is a huge honor and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. It gives me the confidence to believe that pursuing a career in this industry as an actor is possible, regardless of my visible identity. It also signifies that Hollywood is becoming more and more ready for diversity and hopefully this will only continue to grow.

Can you discuss the process of developing your character?

Playing Raj was an incredible journey for sure, but speaking frankly, I think by the time I got the script it was pretty authentic to Sikh representation.

I think it’s also important to point out that just like any other actor, I am playing a character; my own viewpoints about certain topics don’t necessarily have to replicate those of Raj’s.

How did your experience as a SikhLEAD intern prepare you for this opportunity? Did the skills and knowledge gained through the program contribute to your success?

SikhLEAD was a great internship I had earlier on in college that allowed me to leverage working in a professional setting when interviewing for future internships/jobs. For example, I was able to talk about SikhLEAD in my interviews for HBO where I interned and worked at for the two summers after I interned at SikhLEAD. In this way, the program aided me to get my foot in the door in the entertainment industry.

How does this role contribute to the broader goal of promoting authentic Sikh representation in media? What impact do you hope this will have on the Sikh community and wider society?

I think one inspiring aspect of this whole experience was, as far as I know, this is the first time a Sikh male with turban and beard is the “hero” of a major Hollywood studio production. (obviously I could be mistaken!!). As a kid growing up, it would have been so cool to see a Sikh guy as a hero or even just a character in a show, and I am hoping this leads to more writing/casting of Sikh characters in Hollywood.

What are your hopes for the future of Sikh representation in media? What kind of stories do you want to see told?

I want Sikhs to be portrayed in every way – the hero, the villain, the sexy love interest, the nerdy man behind the camera, etc. Because while Sikhi is often the first identity someone thinks of when they see me, my personality is made up of many different identities and I hope that can be reflected in stories on screen.

 

Feeling inspired by Jeevin’s story? You can follow in his footsteps!

SALDEF’s 2025 SikhLEAD Summer Internship Program Applications are now open. You can click here to learn more and apply.

SikhLEAD internships are tailored to YOUR career interests. Whether you’re a high school student or a post-graduate student, we have opportunities for you.

Watch Jeevin’s full S.W.A.T. episode here on CBS.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 11th, 2024
Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Issues Clarification on Statement Regarding Harmeet Dhillon’s Nomination to DOJ  

WASHINGTON D.C. — SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) acknowledges the concerns raised by members of our community regarding our initial statement on the nomination of Harmeet Kaur Dhillon for Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. Upon reflection, we recognize that our statement fell short of aligning with our mission and our duty to hold our leaders accountable. Our mission guides us to lead with nimrata (humility) and serve our sangat (community) with integrity and accountability and we thank all those who offered their feedback and counsel.

Our intention was to recognize the historical significance of Ms. Dhillon’s being the first Sikh American nominated for this role, given her prior contributions to civil rights advocacy, including her volunteer work with SALDEF and other Sikh causes in the years following 9/11. At that time, Ms. Dhillon actively supported efforts to address workplace discrimination, bullying, and the accommodation of Sikh articles of faith. In 2013, she was recognized by SALDEF for her contributions to civil advocacy, including serving on the board of the Northern California ACLU. In our original statement, we failed to appropriately address the deeply concerning aspects of her recent record. 

While we acknowledge Ms. Dhillon’s past contributions, we also recognize her more troubling recent positions and actions that warrant critical examination. In recent years, Ms. Dhillon has pursued positions and legal actions that undermine the very communities SALDEF is committed to advocating for by showcasing a concerning pattern of prioritizing partisan interests over civil rights protection. Representation alone is not enough—true leadership in civil rights must be rooted in the defense of all communities and the values of equity, justice, and inclusion. 

We urge the Senate Judiciary Committee to fulfill its constitutional role to advise and consent by thoroughly vetting Ms. Dhillon’s record. Her nomination should rise or fall on the merits of her ability to lead the Civil Rights Division as a nonpartisan champion for justice, rather than in service of the short-term political goals of any administration.

If confirmed, SALDEF will work with Ms. Dhillon and the Department of Justice to advance the rights of all communities and hold them accountable to the highest standards of civil rights protections by speaking out on any failure to uphold these principles. Our commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that the civil rights of all Americans, including Sikh Americans, are respected and protected at every level of government.

Since 1996, SALDEF has been dedicated to defending the rights of all Americans, especially those most marginalized and vulnerable to injustice. We thank our community for holding us accountable and reaffirm our pledge to act in service of sarbat da bhalla (welfare for all).

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SALDEF has issued an updated clarification on the statement below, which you can read here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10th, 2024

Contact: media@saldef.org

SALDEF Congratulates Harmeet Kaur Dhillon as the First Sikh American Nominated for Nation’s Top Civil Rights Post

Washington, D.C.— SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) proudly recognizes the historic nomination of Harmeet Kaur Dhillon as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice by President-elect Donald J. Trump. If confirmed, Ms. Dhillon will be the first Sikh American to hold this critical position, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of Sikh representation in public service.

Harmeet Kaur Dhillon is a distinguished attorney and Republican Party official. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College and her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law, where she served on the editorial board of the Virginia Law Review. Following law school, she clerked for Judge Paul V. Niemeyer of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Ms. Dhillon is the founder and managing partner of the Dhillon Law Group Inc., a firm specializing in commercial litigation, employment law, First Amendment rights, and election law matters. She also established the Center for American Liberty, a nonprofit organization dedicated to defending civil liberties.

Her leadership roles include serving as the former vice chairwoman of the California Republican Party and as a National Committeewoman of the Republican National Committee for California.

“As a community, we are proud to see a Sikh American woman nominated to a position charged with protecting the civil rights of all Americans,” said SALDEF Board Chair Kavneet Singh.  “This nomination underscores the progress our community has made in gaining recognition and representation at the highest levels of government.”

SALDEF also acknowledges the significant responsibilities of the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, a role that directly impacts the safeguarding of fundamental freedoms, addressing hate crimes, combating racial and religious profiling, and expanding voting rights.

“As we celebrate the historic nature of this nomination, we look forward to working with Harmeet to ensure the Department of Justice protects the civil rights of all communities,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, SALDEF’s Executive Director. “SALDEF remains committed to working with the Department of Justice and the incoming administration to fight for the civil rights of all Americans and ensure that the Sikh American community is represented fairly.”

Ms. Dhillon’s relationship with SALDEF spans over two decades. As a volunteer lawyer, she worked on critical civil rights matters, including cases involving employment discrimination.

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For Immediate Release

Date: October 25, 2024

Contact: media@saldef.org

Valadao introduces House Resolution recognizing the Sikh Genocide of 1984

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22), co-chair of the Sikh American Congressional Caucus, and Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) introduced a resolution to formally recognize and commemorate the Sikh Genocide of 1984. California is home to the largest Sikh population in the U.S., with the majority residing in the Central Valley.

“Sadly, many Sikhs have been targeted for their religious beliefs throughout history, including during the 1984 genocide,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Central Valley is home to a vibrant Sikh community and I’m proud to stand with them in demanding recognition and accountability for this horrific event in their history. This resolution is a small but important step to commemorate this tragedy and honor the innocent victims who lost their lives while practicing their faith.”

“As we mark the 40th anniversary of the Sikh Genocide, we remember a dark chapter in history that inflicted pain on Sikh families and communities. This is not just a distant tragedy—it hits home for us here in the San Joaquin Valley, where so many of our Sikh neighbors have shared their stories of loss, survival, and resilience. This resolution is more than a symbol — it’s a time to recognize this horrific time that our Sikh community experienced,” said Congressman Costa.

Reps. Valadao and Costa were joined in introduction by Reps. Josh Harder (CA-09), Vince Fong (CA-20), and John Duarte (CA-13).

The resolution is supported by the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, American Sikh Caucus Committee, Ensaaf, Jakara Movement, Sikh Coalition, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC), and the United Sikhs.

“This resolution is a historic acknowledgment of the deep scars the Sikh genocide of 1984 has left on our community. It not only honors the memory of those we lost but also empowers Sikh Americans and allies who have been fighting for decades to ensure that these atrocities are not forgotten. We are especially grateful to Congressman David Valadao for his unwavering support and for bringing this issue to the forefront of American consciousness. Today, we see a step toward justice and the validation of our truth,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)

“This resolution marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing quest for justice and truth. The American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, representing Sikh religious institutions across the nation, has long advocated for the recognition of the atrocities committed during the 1984 Sikh Genocide. We thank Congressman Valadao for his courageous leadership and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that the stories of our martyrs are preserved, and that justice is pursued relentlessly,” said Gudev Singh, Acting President, American Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (AGPC).

“This resolution is a turning point in our community’s decades-long pursuit of justice and recognition. For too long, the horrors of 1984 have been hidden from the global stage. Today, we honor the memory of those who suffered and ensure their voices will never be silenced. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman David Valadao for his leadership of the American Sikh Congressional Caucus, and in championing this cause, marking a momentous step toward accountability and healing for Sikh Americans and Sikhs worldwide,” said Dr. Pritpal Singh, Founder, American Sikh Caucus Committee.

“This resolution marks a crucial victory in the battle for truth and justice for the victims of the 1984 Sikh Genocide. It stands as a testament to the resilience of our community, which has sought justice for decades. While we still have a long road ahead in terms of accountability, this first step of recognition in the U.S. House of Representatives gives us hope that justice one day will prevail,” said Sukhman Dhami, Co-Director, Ensaaf

“The introduction of this resolution is not just about acknowledging the past but ensuring that future generations understand the truth about the 1984 Sikh Genocide. For Sikh youth and activists, this is more than a political milestone—it’s a validation of the pain our elders endured and a commitment to never allow history to forget. The Jakara Movement looks forward to working alongside Congressman Valadao to continue shining a light on this dark chapter and to ensure that justice for the victims remains a priority for all,” said Naindeep Singh, Executive Director, Jakara Movement.

“This is the first time a federal resolution has been introduced to recognize the 1984 Sikh Genocide, and it sends a powerful message: the world is watching, and the atrocities committed against Sikhs will not go unnoticed. We are deeply thankful to Congressman David Valadao for his leadership in this effort, and we look forward to building a broad coalition of support to ensure its ultimate passage. Today’s recognition fuels our resolve to continue advocating for justice and accountability,” said Harman Singh, Executive Director, Sikh Coalition.

“The introduction of this resolution is a significant step forward for Sikhs worldwide, especially for those of us who have been tirelessly advocating for the truth to be recognized. The Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast stands united with our brothers and sisters in the continued pursuit of justice for the victims of 1984. This resolution acknowledges not only our pain but our perseverance, and we are grateful to Congressman Valadao for standing with us in this cause,” said Himmat Singh, Sikh Coordination Committee East Coast (SCCEC).

“As a global humanitarian organization, United Sikhs has long championed the cause of justice and human rights for the Sikh community. The introduction of this resolution in the U.S. Congress is a watershed moment for our community’s struggle for truth and justice. It is an acknowledgment that the international community is listening, and it reinforces our collective resolve to ensure that the horrors of 1984 are neither ignored nor repeated. We extend our deepest gratitude to Congressman Valadao for his leadership and solidarity,” said Hardayal Singh, United Sikhs.

Background:

In June 1984, Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered a military assault on Sri Darbar Sahib, a sacred place of worship more commonly known as The Golden Temple. During Operation Blue Star, the Indian Army used heavy artillery and tanks to lay siege on The Golden Temple complex, murdering thousands of civilians as an attempt to suppress Sikh religious rights and freedoms. This tragedy is considered by many as the beginning of the Sikh Genocide.

Following the death of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on October 31, 1984, the Indian government launched a multi-day campaign of state-sponsored violence and repression against Sikhs that included disappearances, targeted killings, and coordinated mass violence. Political unrest in India throughout 1984 resulted in the loss of thousands of Sikh lives. Today, transnational repression is still a widespread issue impacting the Sikh community.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

Tell Your Member of Congress to Recognize the Sikh Experience in 1984

SALDEF Commends the DOJ for New Charges Against Indian Government Employee Targeting Sikh Americans

SALDEF (Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund) is deeply alarmed by the Department of Justice’s announcement of charges against Vikash Yadav, an Indian government employee, in connection with a plot to assassinate a U.S. citizen and Sikh activist on American soil. This is a stark reminder of the escalating and dangerous reality of transnational repression targeting diaspora communities in the United States.

We commend the Department of Justice, FBI, and the federal government for their vigilance and commitment to protecting the safety and sovereignty of Americans. However, this incident highlights the urgent need for continued and comprehensive action to protect vulnerable communities in America, particularly the Sikh diaspora, who have been increasingly targeted for their activism and dissent against foreign governments.

The Sikh American community in the United States has a fundamental right to advocate for human rights and justice without fear of intimidation, violence, or retaliation from foreign actors. SALDEF urges the U.S. government to continue its efforts in holding foreign governments accountable for any attempt to silence or harm American citizens within our borders.

“We are outraged and deeply concerned by the attempted assassination of plot a Sikh American on U.S. soil, orchestrated by an Indian government employee,” said Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF. “This is a grave violation of our community’s rights and a threat to American democracy. We applaud the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement for their swift action, but we must do more. The United States must take concrete steps to protect all Americans from foreign repression, as seen with the charges filed today. We call on Congress to pass the Transnational Repression Reporting Act, championed by Representative Adam Schiff, to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing these threats. Sikh Americans, like all communities in the United States, have the right to live without fear of foreign intimidation or violence.”

SALDEF remains committed to advocating for the safety and rights of Sikh Americans and other diaspora communities affected by transnational repression. We urge the government to continue making strong public statements and enacting legislation that safeguards our constitutional rights and protects our communities from foreign interference.