Law enforcement officials from the US Department of Homeland Security have started visiting gurudwaras in New York and New Jersey to check for the presence of illegal immigrants, drawing a sharp reaction from some Sikh organisations which see such actions as a threat to the sanctity of their faith. Some of the gurudwaras in New York and New Jersey are believed to be used as a hub by Sikh separatists.

“This action empowers the brave men and women in CBP and ICE to enforce our immigration laws and catch criminal aliens, including murderers and rapists, who have illegally come into our country,” a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said. Sikh organisations expressed grave concern over the directive.