Indica News Bureau-

The American Dream of Indian-origin woman, Babblejit ‘Bubbly’ Kaur, turned into a nightmare when ICE On December 1, detained her during a scheduled biometrics appointment in Long Beach, California. Kaur, 60, who has been in the U.S. since 1994, was placed under arrest without any prior notice, leaving her family members shocked and distressed. 

To add insult to injury, her hands and feet were shackled and Kaur was loaded into a van full of men, with her hands and feet shackled, her daughter said. Long Beach Watchdog reported that Kaur used to operate Natraj Cuisine of India and Nepal in Long Beach, along with her husband, until the Covid pandemic. The couple has three children – 34-year-old Joti, who has legal status in the U.S. under DACA; her older brother and sister are both U.S. citizens. Bubbly has an approved petition from her elder daughter and the daughter’s husband.

Joti said that two cars pulled up, and several federal agents entered the building when her mother was at the front desk at the office. Bubbly was called into a room by the federal agents, and she was told that she was being arrested. Joti claimed that the family members were not informed where Bubbly was being taken. “She was really scared. She was loaded into a van full of men with her hands and feet shackled. She has no criminal record,” Joti said.

Long Beach Congressman Robert Garcia condemned Bubbly’s detention and “the horrific actions of ICE”. “We have been in touch with the family of Bubbly. We are going to do everything we can to bring her home. These horrific actions continue to terrorize hardworking and good people who are trying to make our community a better place. Please speak up. Continue to tell her story. We must fight and do all we can to ensure she is free,” Garcia said.

A GoFundme page has been set up by Vanessa Auclair to help Kaur in the time of need with a title, ‘Help Bubbly Kaur Reunite With Her Family.’ The website shows Kaur has until now received $26,485 and the funds will be used for commissary, phone use, and legal defense (representation and fees) required to release Kaur from ICE custody.

[Photo courtesy: GoFundme]