North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) strongly condemns the recent reports that certain individuals are planning to use Gurudwaras as platforms for staging protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in an attempt to create an environment of hate against the Sikh community during the Trump administration.
NAPA believes that Gurudwaras are sacred places of worship and community service, meant to unite people and provide spiritual and humanitarian support. They should never be misused for political confrontations, protests, or activities that may endanger the safety and image of Sikhs in North America. Turning these spiritual institutions into sites of political agitation not only disrespects Sikh traditions but also risks portraying the Sikh community as hostile or extremist in the eyes of wider society.
Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of NAPA, stated: “We urge all Sikh organisations and Gurdwara management committees to ensure that no such protests are allowed inside or around Gurdwara premises. These actions are not only against Sikh principles but could also harm the reputation and peaceful image of Sikhs in the United States. NAPA stands for lawful, constructive, and respectful ways of addressing immigration-related concerns, but not at the cost of misusing religious institutions.”
NAPA appeals to the Sikh community worldwide to remain vigilant, to protect the sanctity of Gurudwaras, and to ensure that these places remain centres of prayer, service, and community harmony. Political protests, particularly those aimed at creating hate-filled environments, must be kept outside religious institutions.