The Trump administration’s decision to allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in places of worship, including Sikh temples, has led to a decrease in attendance at these sacred spaces. Many members of the Sikh community, who are largely of Indian descent, fear being caught up in immigration raids and have stopped attending services regularly. Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento is among the temples that have joined lawsuits against the Trump administration’s removal of restrictions preventing ICE raids in sensitive locations. Worshippers are concerned about their safety and the sanctity of their space, with fears that attendance will continue to decline without protections in place. The Sikh Coalition has reported a drop in attendance at gurdwaras across the country, impacting access to essential services and creating a tense environment for community members. The anxiety around immigration has affected various aspects of life outside the temple, with businesses and places of worship seeing decreased traffic. Sikh gurdwaras serve as centers of social and commercial life for many Indian immigrants, making the current immigration environment particularly distressing. The additional layer of tension has heightened concerns around safety for individuals seeking asylum in the U.S. who may also be worried about their immigration status. Overall, the policy change allowing ICE to operate in houses of worship has had a significant impact on the Sikh community and their ability to practice their faith freely and safely.
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