So, the phrase “73-year-old Punjab woman deported from US” has been living rent-free in your notifications this week. Imagine going for a routine check-in, like you’ve done for 13 years, mind you, and in the blink of an eye, you’re detained, moved from state to state, and flown out, all without even getting to say “goodbye.” Let’s break down what really happened, why everyone’s calling her “everyone’s daadi,” and kya scene hai with the ICE process.
1. How a Regular ICE Check-In Turned Into a Speedrun Deportation
Picture this: On September 8, 2025, Harjit Kaur, 73, heads to her usual immigration check-in in San Francisco. She’s whisked away to Mesa Verde in Bakersfield, then transferred, still in custody, all the way to Georgia, before being deported to India, her family and lawyer apparently not even looped in about her interstate moves or when she’d be flown out. The internet went peak outrage after her lawyer posted a video, highlighting not just the alarming haste but also the total lack of communication. ICE says, look, we followed the letter of the law, she exhausted all due process, and had a final removal order.
2. The 60–70 Hours That Broke the Internet
Okay, here’s where the countrywide “WTF?” started. Her lawyer alleges Harjit Kaur didn’t even get a bed for 60–70 hours while in detention, just concrete floors for sleeping, no shower, and only wet wipes before she boarded the plane. Now add strict vegetarianism; she was first given meat-based meals and only later got the right food. The most viral detail? She asked for water to swallow her meds, and officers gave her a plate of ice. As if “water on the rocks” isn’t meant literally, bro! With dentures, she just couldn’t.
Image courtesy Liberty Human Rights
3. Handcuffs, Shackles & The Goodbye That Wasn’t
She was handcuffed during transfers, including the Georgia flight, but reports say on her final charter (Georgia → Armenia → Delhi), she alone wasn’t shackled; her age probably played a role. There was no farewell moment or a chance to pack her things. Her supporters? Fuming and pointing out that other options, like supervised release or a regular commercial flight, would’ve shown a basic level of humanity.
4. Why Everyone’s Calling Her “Everyone’s Daadi”: The Bay Area Breakout
What turned this from a local injustice to an international headline? The East Bay Area saw rallies with “Bring Grandma Home” posters, nearly 200 supporters turning up on September 12 to demand justice. Viral posts from community leaders and family supercharged the social momentum, and local TV kept the story going viral. Even the BBC clocked how the wider Sikh community felt targeted, especially with ICE dropping a boilerplate statement about access to food and medical care.
Image courtesy Richmondside
5. Where Policy Meets People—and Compassion, Hopefully
Let’s not twist facts: ICE says Harjit Kaur had a removal order for years, fought and lost her appeals, and their hands were tied at the end. But here’s the real debate: should decades-old, community-rooted folks like her be handled with more transparency, especially regarding access to religious diets and medical care? Advocates say yes, especially for elderly people with close family and a zero criminal record. The MEA in India noted she’s now among 2,400+ Indians repatriated this year, so her reintegration is a whole new journey.
Image courtesy Babushahi.com
This isn’t just about one woman’s struggle; it’s a reality check on how systems treat the elders we care about most. If your daadi had to travel like this, imagine the feels. Where do we draw the line between following the rules and showing basic compassion?