The Sikh Coalition today sent a letter to Custom and Border Protection calling for an investigation into the reported mistreatment of Sikhs deported back to India.
Reports from India media quote deportees who say their turbans or Sikh dastaars were taken from them and thrown away by Homeland Security personnel.
They say they were shackled for up to 36 hours and were denied religiously appropriate meals and even blankets.
Deportees also reported they were not allowed to bath for long periods of time.
“We unfortunately find it extremely plausible that Sikh individuals were wrongfully deprived of their rights throughout their detention and deportation,” said the letter addressed to acting commissioner Pete Flores. “We urge you and
additional leadership throughout DHS to take immediate action to prevent any further harm from occurring.”
In addition to an investigation, the Sikh Coalition urged that new Border Protection guidelines against the mistreatment of detainees be widely distributed among its personnel. It also asked the Border Protection agents on these flights also be investigated and that any information about other agencies that may be responsible for the mistreatment also be disclosed.
“We strongly believe that an investigation and action are warranted to prevent any future abuses. Undocumented individuals have rights and should be treated with dignity,” said the letter signed by Harman Singh, executive director of the Sikh Coalition and Graham West, Managing director of policy and communications.
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