An Indian national accused of orchestrating multiple terrorist attacks and wanted by Indian authorities has been arrested in California—after already being caught and released by U.S. Border Patrol two years ago.
Harpreet Singh, a known fugitive with alleged ties to the foreign terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 16 in Sacramento, California. According to Fox News, Singh initially entered the United States illegally on January 27, 2022, crossing the border in Arizona. Despite his status, Singh was released into the U.S. interior following his initial arrest by Border Patrol.
ICE officials confirmed that Singh is now in federal custody and will remain detained pending immigration proceedings.
“This is what happens when border security is neglected,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “The Biden administration not only let a wanted terrorist into the country, they then released him into American communities.”
McLaughlin emphasized that under President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s leadership, ICE will be empowered to locate, arrest, and remove such individuals.
Singh is accused by Indian authorities of being a senior operative in a transnational terror network linked to Babbar Khalsa International, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. The group is responsible for a series of deadly attacks, including political assassinations and bombings, and was originally formed in the 1970s with the aim of creating an independent Sikh state.
According to India’s Intelligence Bureau, Singh is suspected of organizing and funding multiple grenade attacks on police stations and targeting a retired police officer’s home in Punjab with the intent to kill and intimidate law enforcement.
In addition to these allegations, Singh is also wanted for violent extortion schemes and threats throughout India.
Officials say he has direct ties to Harwinder Singh Rinda, a notorious figure associated with Pakistan-based BKI operations. Singh’s arrest has reignited concerns over gaps in border enforcement and immigration vetting in the United States.
ICE confirmed that Singh’s case is under active review, and he is being held without bond as his deportation proceedings begin.