Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla Joins Sikh American Leaders in Condemning Anti-Sikh Messaging by the Trump Administration

HOBOKEN, NJ — Today, Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) joined a coalition of Sikh American legislators from across the country in condemning a racist post by the Department of Homeland Security that depicted a man labeled “Mr. Singh” in a Transformers-style deportation graphic.

"This is truly vile, racist stuff from an official government account," said Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla. "The Trump administration isn't even trying to hide their bigotry anymore, and that should alarm all of us, regardless of race or religion. This isn't who we are as a country."

Assemblyman Bhalla signed onto the following joint statement alongside Sikh American legislators from Washington, Michigan, California, Virginia, Georgia, and New Jersey:

Sikh American Leaders Issue Joint Statement Condemning Anti-Sikh Messaging by the Trump Administration 

As Sikh American state legislators, we are horrified that the official account of the Department of Homeland Security (@DHSgov) has weaponized its platform to spread racist stereotypes and anti-Sikh bigotry.

On the eve of the anniversary of 9/11, a moment of profound national grief for America that also sparked a deadly wave of hate crimes against our communities, it is dangerous for a federal agency to spread vitriol instead of unity.

For millions of Sikhs worldwide, "Singh" is not a punchline or a slur. It is a surname carried with pride to signify equality. Generations of Sikh Americans have served this nation, built businesses, looked out for their neighbors, and strengthened the fabric of our democracy. Our faith calls us to stand against injustice and practice seva—selfless service for the betterment of all, regardless of faith.

When a government agency tasked with protecting all Americans instead mocks people for their name, faith, or how they look, it's using the power of the federal government to fuel xenophobia and hatred. Using tropes like "self-deport" and mocking our community members divides our country and distracts from the real challenges Americans need their government to solve.

We know that our nation's strength comes from our diversity and from standing together when any community is targeted. We can have disagreements on policy without sacrificing our shared humanity.

We call on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately remove all of these hateful posts, issue a formal apology to the Sikh American community, and remember that their job is to protect the people of this country, not terrorize them.

Signed,

Deputy Senate Majority Leader Manka Dhingra (WA)
House Minority Leader Ranjeev Singh Puri (MI)
State Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains (CA)
State Delegate JJ Singh (VA)
State Assemblyman Ravi Singh Bhalla (NJ)
State Assemblyman Balvir Singh (NJ)
State House Candidate & Nominee Jyot Singh (GA)