Washington: US immigration authorities detained 73-year-old Indian-origin grandmother Harjit Kaur in California during a routine ICE check-in, NDTV reported. Kaur has lived in the US for more than 30 years, worked as a seamstress in Berkeley, and has no criminal record. Her family said she has consistently reported to ICE every six months for over 13 years.
She was taken into custody without notice last Monday at the San Francisco ICE office while submitting requested documents. Days later, community members rallied in El Sobrante, carrying signs that read “Hands off our grandma” and “She’s no criminal.”
Kaur, who emigrated from India in 1992 as a single mother, raised two sons and has five grandchildren. Her granddaughter called her “everyone’s grandma” and praised her selfless, hardworking nature. Her daughter-in-law said Harjit always followed the law, paid taxes, and maintained valid work permits.
Congressman John Garamendi supported the family, confirming his office asked ICE to release her. He criticized Trump’s immigration enforcement, saying it “misplaced priorities” by targeting a respected senior citizen instead of dangerous offenders.
The family insists Harjit Kaur remains an integral part of her community, and protests for her release continue in California.
