5 hrs ago
DHS Removes Controversial Sikh Targeting Post After Backlash
The Department of Homeland Security posted a picture about a Sikh man named Harjinder Singh.
The picture used a Transformers character and insulting words about his driving and surname.
Singh is accused in a Florida crash that killed three people.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Many Indian American groups and Democratic lawmakers said the picture unfairly attacked Sikh people.
They also said it could hurt many people who share the surname Singh.
The criticism was especially strong because it came near the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
DHS first rejected the criticism but later deleted the post.
The department said it was trying to highlight dangerous driving cases involving unauthorized immigrants.
The US Department of Homeland Security deleted an X post targeting Indian Sikh man Harjinder Singh.
The Transformers-themed graphic said “Get off our roads” and “Self deport or find out.”
DHS linked Singh to vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges after a fatal Florida crash; he pleaded not guilty.
Indian American organizations and Democratic lawmakers condemned the post as racist and harmful to Sikh Americans.
DHS initially dismissed criticism, but removed the image without immediately explaining why.
- Who
- The US Department of Homeland Security, Harjinder Singh, Indian American organizations, Democratic lawmakers, and California Governor Gavin Newsom.
- What
- DHS removed an X post using racially charged language and a Transformers-themed graphic to target Singh, who faces vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges.
- Where
- The controversy unfolded on X in the United States; the crash referenced by DHS occurred on the Florida Turnpike.
- When
- The post was removed on Thursday, near the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
- Why
- DHS said it was highlighting enforcement against unauthorized commercial drivers involved in fatal crashes, while critics said the post promoted racist stereotypes and harmed Sikh Americans.
Critics
DHS Position
Racial implications
Critics
Indian American organizations and Democratic lawmakers said the graphic was racially discriminatory toward Sikh Americans and harmful to people sharing the surname Singh.
DHS Position
DHS presented the post as a depiction of Harjinder Singh and defended its focus on an individual facing serious criminal charges.
Use of enforcement messaging
Critics
Gavin Newsom called the post racist propaganda targeting the Sikh community, while critics objected to its language and timing near the September 11 anniversary.
DHS Position
DHS said it was working to remove criminal unauthorized immigrants from the country and make roads safer.
Deletion of the post
Critics
Critics condemned the image and its message, following which DHS removed it.
DHS Position
DHS deleted the post without offering an immediate explanation and continued posting about alleged unauthorized commercial drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Key facts
- Agency
- US Department of Homeland Security
- Person targeted
- Harjinder Singh, an Indian national facing vehicular homicide and manslaughter charges
- Crash outcome
- The Florida Turnpike crash claimed three lives
- Post wording
- “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive Mr Singh” and “Self deport or find out”
- Response
- DHS initially called criticism “nonsensical drivel” before deleting the post
- Critics
- Indian American organizations, Democratic lawmakers, and Gavin Newsom
- Campaign context
- DHS said the image was part of a social media campaign about unauthorized commercial drivers and fatal traffic accidents
Quotes
US Department of Homeland Security
Federal department responding to Gavin Newsom on X
“This is disgusting. Trump’s government is trafficking in racist propaganda targeting the Sikh community.”
rediff.com
“Hey Gavin, YOU gave him his CDL and then he killed three people with his tractor-trailer.”
rediff.com
Sources
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