In September 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) filed an indictment in the US District Court for the attempted murder of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a prominent American Sikh from New York. The indictment was the result of a thorough investigation revealing that agents of foreign governments were responsible for orchestrating the murder of Pannun and several other Sikh individuals across the United States, Canada, and other Five Eyes nations.

The US Government recognized these actions as a severe violation of national sovereignty and classified them as acts of transnational repression. In response, the government needed to take decisive action to prevent further incidents and protect the rights and safety of individuals targeted by foreign governments on American soil.

UNITED SIKHS proactively addressed these public safety concerns and the broader issue of transnational repression affecting Sikhs in the United States. The organization engaged in a series of high-level meetings, advocating for the codification of the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This effort involved supporting legislative proposals in the U.S. Congress, specifically Senate Bill 831 and House Bill 3654. UNITED SIKHS’ leadership held discussions with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and the FBI in New York to raise awareness and push for action.

UNITED SIKHS also played a key role in forming the Transnational Repression Crime Working Group, a coalition of Sikh organizations across the United States, united in advocating for the passage of the Transnational Repression Policy Act. This initiative was driven by the recognition that transnational repression is a growing threat, often overlooked, and requiring urgent global attention. The organization’s efforts were bolstered by alarming findings from the Annual Threat Assessment of the United States Intelligence Community, which highlighted the increasing use of both digital and physical methods by foreign states to target dissidents abroad.

UNITED SIKHS has become a leading force in the fight against transnational repression, particularly within the Sikh community. The organization continues to monitor developments closely, having recently published a concept paper detailing the impact of transnational repression over the years. Through its International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) program, UNITED SIKHS remains committed to protecting human rights and offering legal assistance to those facing threats, ensuring that the dignity and safety of individuals are upheld against the backdrop of foreign interference.