Archive · 15 Sep 2025
Detention of 73-Year-Old Harjit Kaur Sparks Protests
Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old woman who has lived in the US for over 30 years, was detained by ICE.
She regularly checked in with ICE every six months for over 13 years following her asylum denial in 2012.
Her family and community protested her detention, using signs like "Hands off our grandma".
Concerns were raised about Kaur's health and lack of medical attention.
She has thyroid issues, chronic knee pain, migraines, and anxiety.
Congressman John Garamendi has called for her release, citing misplaced priorities.
Harjit Kaur, 73, was detained by ICE after a routine check-in.
She has lived in the US for over 30 years.
Kaur's asylum claim was denied in 2012.
Family and community organized protests for her release.
Concern raised over Kaur's health and lack of medical attention.
- Who
- Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old woman
- What
- Detained by ICE
- When
- September 8
- Where
- San Francisco (detained), Bakersfield, CA (processing center)
- Why
- Asylum claim denied in 2012; Routine check-in
Community & Supporters
ICE (Implicit)
Detention Justification
Community & Supporters
ICE should focus on serious offenders rather than a long-time community member with no criminal record and pre-existing health concerns.
ICE (Implicit)
ICE has not provided a statement on their justification.
- Name
- Harjit Kaur
- Age
- 73
- Origin
- India
- Years in US
- 30+
- Detention Date
- September 8
- Detention Location
- Bakersfield, CA
- Asylum Claim
- Denied in 2012
- Health Concerns
- Thyroid, Migraines, Knee Pain, Anxiety
Sources
Punjabi grandma detained by ICE after 33 years in US, local community rallies for her release
‘Bring grandma home’: ICE detains 73-yr-old Indian origin Harjit Kaur from Bay Area; locals and family stage protests
‘Bring Grandma Home’: Punjabi woman, 73, living in US since 30 years held in ICE raid; kin, community protest
73-Year-Old, In US For Over 30 Years, Detained By Immigration Officials
73-year-old Sikh woman detained by US immigration in California, sparks protests and community outrage
73-Year-Old Sikh Woman Detained By ICE After 33 Years In US, Community Protests
Elderly Sikh woman Harjit Kaur detained by immigration authorities in US, family in ‘state of shock’
Who Is Harjit Kaur, 73-year-old Indian Grandmother Detained "Without Warning" in US
Elderly Sikh woman detained by immigration authorities in US, family calls for her release
