Hundreds Rally in California for 73-Year-Old ICE Detainee's Release

Harjit Kaur, a 73-year-old grandmother and longtime resident of California’s East Bay, was detained by ICE during a routine check-in at the San Francisco immigration office, despite having no criminal record and complying with immigration requirements for over a decade. Following her detention, Kaur was transferred to the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center in Bakersfield, sparking widespread concern among family members and the local community about her health and safety. Hundreds of protesters rallied in El Sobrante, holding signs calling for her release and emphasizing her role as a beloved community member and hardworking seamstress. Family members expressed distress over the unexpected detention, highlighting Kaur’s compliance and longstanding presence in the U.S. since immigrating from India in 1992. Local leaders and Congressman John Garamendi’s office have become involved, advocating for her release and stressing that she poses no threat to the community. The case has drawn attention to issues within ICE detention practices and the impact on families and communities.