Sikh and Punjabi families say ICE arrests increasing in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Sikh and Punjabi families say U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s arrests in their growing community are ramping up this summer.

Members of the community often come to Guru Nanak Sikh Society, a gurdwara, on the southeast side of the city. It’s a place of worship for the Sikh community.

It’s a peaceful atmosphere, but some who come to pray often feel fearful.

“Since January, our role has definitely changed a lot,” Komal Kaur said. “We’ve been getting a lot of calls for individuals who need mental health support who are being detained.”

Kaur is the president of Umeed-Hope. It’s a Sikh-led mutual aid coalition supporting marginalized communities.

She says there’s been an influx in calls in the past few weeks. Some calls are coming from Sikh and Punjabi community members in ICE custody, or from people who fear being arrested. Other calls are coming from organizations looking for help. “Especially from organizations that are coming into contact with people and not knowing what to do,” Kaur said.

I-Team 8 asked Kaur how many Sikh community members are detained in Indiana. She says they can’t track that number, but that they are regularly receiving calls about people inside Indiana detention facilities.

I-Team 8 also reached out to ICE for the state. They say they don’t track by religion.

“We’re having a larger population of people detained by ICE that don’t speak any English at all,” Kaur said.

She says the language barrier adds to the distress and the confusion of navigating an already complex situation.

Kaur was working to find reputable experts and organizations who help people in custody or fearful of being arrested.

“Support now is more geared toward translating services, so individuals understand what they’re going through.” Kaur said. “Right now, it’s a lot of finding culturally competent providers for them that are able to provide support, whether through virtual visitations or being able to actually go in person.”

She’s also looking for case trackers who can help monitor where Sikh and Punjabi detainees are being moved within the state.

Umeed-Hope and the Indy Liberation Center plan to host a letter-writing session for detainees at 5 p.m. Sept. 2 at Guru Nanak Sikh Society.

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