The visiting room at California’s Mesa Verde ICE Processing Centre was so loud Harjit Kaur’s family could barely hear her.
Then came the words that broke them: “I would rather die than be in this facility.
May God just take me now,” said the 73-year-old grandmother, according to her daughter-in-law.
Kaur — who has lived in California for more than 30 years, raised two sons, paid taxes, and worked as a seamstress — was arrested on 8 September.
She was arrested after checking in with immigration officials as she’s done for over a decade.
Her crime? None. Her asylum claims were denied years ago, but she still lacks the travel papers to return to India.
After 30 Years, Still Detained
Supporters call her detention a shameful symbol of Donald Trump’s stepped-up immigration crackdown.
“They are literally going after peaceful grandmothers,” said California State Senator Jesse Arreguin.
Congressman John Garamendi has also intervened, urging ICE to release her.
Her lawyer says she’s been denied medicine and basic accommodations despite double knee replacements, allegations ICE disputes.
The Sikh community has rallied with protests and petitions, calling her Bibi Harjit — a term of respect.
After three decades of building a life in America, Kaur says she’s ready to leave — if only someone would give her the papers to go.
