Indianapolis’ growing Sikh and Punjabi community is facing a summer of anxiety as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests appear to be ramping up across the city. Families say the heightened enforcement is creating fear in a community that has long sought stability, safety, and opportunity in America.
Many members of the community gather at the Guru Nanak Sikh Society gurdwara on the southeast side of Indianapolis, a place that has become both a spiritual and cultural anchor. The gurdwara is usually filled with the sound of prayers, hymns, and shared meals, offering a sense of belonging to hundreds of immigrant families. But in recent weeks, worshippers say the peaceful atmosphere has been clouded by an underlying unease.an underlying unease has clouded the peaceful atmosphere
Community leaders report that several Punjabi men have been taken into custody in the past month alone, some during workplace raids and others after routine traffic stops. Family members say these arrests have left households broken and children traumatized, unsure if their loved ones will return home. For many, attending gurdwara services now comes with whispered discussions about possible raids, legal resources, and the fate of detained relatives.
“The gurdwara is meant to be a sanctuary, a place to find peace,” said one community member, who asked not to be named out of fear. “But now people come to pray with worry in their hearts, wondering if they or someone they know will be next.”
Immigrant advocacy groups in Indiana have echoed these concerns, noting that the Sikh and Punjabi community has been one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in the region. Many of them work in trucking, warehousing, and agriculture—industries that are vital to the local economy. Advocates argue that targeting these workers only weakens families and destabilizes the community.
As ICE operations continue, leaders at the Guru Nanak Sikh Society say they are focused on providing support—both spiritual and practical. Legal aid workshops, counseling, and community forums are being organized to help families prepare for potential detentions. Yet, despite these efforts, a climate of fear persists.
For Indianapolis’ Sikh and Punjabi families, the challenge now is not only navigating the complexities of immigration law but also holding onto their sense of safety and belonging in a country they hoped would be home.