Indian Sikh woman mistreated in US detention, confirms Jaishankar
India's Foreign Minister, S Jaishankar, has confirmed that Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old Indian Sikh woman, faced harsh treatment in US immigration custody before being deported on September 22.
While Jaishankar stated she was not handcuffed during her removal, her attorney and advocacy groups reported that Kaur was shackled while moved between ICE facilities, had to sleep on floors, wasn't given vegetarian food, and went days without her medication.
Why does it matter?
Kaur's experience shines a spotlight on how vulnerable people can be treated in immigration systems—even after decades of living peacefully in the US.
Her case has sparked concern from Indian officials about basic human rights and dignity for those facing deportation.
It also raises bigger questions about how international deportations are handled and whether enough care is taken for people's well-being along the way.