September 2, 2026 (Nationwide) — The Sikh Coalition continues to successfully represent Sikh immigrants being wrongfully held in immigration custody. Our Habeas Project provides free legal representation to any Sikh or Punjabi-speaking detained in the United States who have been wrongly arrested and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In June, our attorney secured the release of a Sikh truck driver who had been unlawfully detained by ICE simply because he is a truck driver. He was separated from his wife and 4-month baby who were nearly evicted from their home because of his unlawful detention. Most recently, we secured the release of two Sikh brothers wrongfully detained by ICE during a fingerprints appointment. Our habeas representation ended their near 10-month long detention and allowed them to return to their wives and babies.
Every day, the number of Sikh immigrants being placed in immigration detention grows—especially given increased immigration enforcement activities targeting truck drivers and asylum seekers. Our sangat must be on high alert, and all individuals should know their rights. For more information about Habeas petitions, read our new community FAQ in both English and Punjabi. If you need a more detailed explainer, you can also see this resource from the National Immigration Project (as well as a Punjabi translation provided by the Sikh Coalition).
If you or anyone you know is being held in immigration custody and requires legal representation, please contact our legal team. Depending on the situation, we may be able to help you directly or refer you to other immigration legal service organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance and representation in immigration matters like Ready to Stay, the National Immigration Project, and Immigration Advocates Network. When using these resources, keep in mind the following points:
- Some organizations serve specific communities, residents of specific areas, or only provide services in specific areas (and not all areas) of immigration law.
- Some organizations may be multilingual—but even if an organization may have a language other than English or Punjabi on their website or helpline, they do not necessarily only provide services in that language. (Many organizations, for example, use translation services.)
- Given the extreme increase in immigration enforcement across the nation right now, many nonprofit organizations are limited in capacity and there may be waitlists.
- The best course of action is often to reach out via a call or email for a consultation, because conversations are often the best way to get the most accurate information and organizations may be able to help you in ways that are not listed online.
As always, the Sikh Coalition urges you to practice your faith fearlessly.
Disclaimer: The Sikh Coalition cannot guarantee that any attorney or organization listed on the below websites will be able to take your case or successfully resolve your legal matter. We encourage you to consult with multiple organizations or attorneys, ask questions about their experience, and conduct your own due diligence before deciding who is best suited to represent your interests.