Swarnjit Singh says Norwich will remain a welcoming city as remarks spark political backlash
Swarnjit Singh, the Indian-origin mayor of Norwich in the US state of Connecticut, has publicly criticised the activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), declaring that he will continue to stand by the city’s immigrant community despite mounting criticism.
Singh, the first Sikh to serve as mayor of Norwich, issued a strongly worded statement after reports of ICE operations in the city. He said Norwich’s administration would not assist federal immigration enforcement actions and stressed that all residents, irrespective of their immigration status, deserved dignity, safety and respect.
Addressing immigrant families, Singh said they remained an integral part of the city’s social and economic fabric. He added that Norwich would continue to be a welcoming community where diversity was valued and protected.
The mayor’s remarks quickly drew mixed reactions on social media. While immigrant rights advocates praised his stand, critics accused him of undermining federal immigration enforcement. Some social media users even called for Singh himself to be deported, despite his status as an elected public official.
Responding to the backlash, Singh maintained that his commitment to supporting immigrants would not change. He said local leaders had a responsibility to ensure residents felt safe and included, particularly during periods of heightened immigration enforcement
The debate comes amid continuing national discussions in the United States over immigration policy and the role of local governments in cooperating with federal authorities. Several cities across the country have witnessed protests and political disputes over ICE operations, with immigration remaining one of the most polarising issues in American politics.
Singh’s intervention has drawn attention within the Indian diaspora in the United States, highlighting the growing visibility of Indian-origin elected representatives in American public life while reflecting broader tensions surrounding immigration policy and community relations.
