The dastaar or turban is one of the most sacred symbols of the Sikh faith. It not only represents courage, it is also an emblem of equality and a constant reminder to fight oppression anywhere it exists. The action of Customs and Border Patrol are not just egregious, they are an abuse of human rights and furthermore, illegal. 

“CBP’s actions humiliate Sikh migrants as they flee their homes seeking asylum,” ACLU Arizona communications director Marcela Taracena said. “It is just one of the most egregious examples of how this agency’s disposal of migrants’ personal property creates a dehumanizing experience for all migrants seeking protection in the United States.”

According to the ACLU, 64 such instances have been reported in the Border Patrol's Yuma sector so far this year -- mostly in the past two months -- by Sikh asylum seekers who were released from custody and sought help at a welcome center in Phoenix. The CBP claims an investigation is underway and action has been taken since the issue was raised in June. Yet, the number of instances of this happening has risen in the past few months.

This must end now. Tell the Biden administration to act now, enforce an investigation, and bolster accountability measures to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.