- Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents the Long Beach area, has publicly called for Kaur’s release
- His office has confirmed that it is in contact with federal authorities as the family explores legal options, including the possibility of securing her release on bond
An Indian-origin woman who has lived in the United States for nearly three decades was taken into custody by federal immigration authorities during what was expected to be the final stage of her Green Card process, drawing concern from her family, community members, and an elected lawmaker.
The woman, Babblejit “Bubbly” Kaur, aged 60, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in California while attending a scheduled biometric appointment related to her lawful permanent residency application. Kaur has reportedly been residing in the US since 1994 and had an approved Green Card petition filed by her daughter, a US citizen. Her husband is already a Green Card holder.
According to family members, the incident occurred when Kaur was at the front desk of an immigration office completing routine formalities. Multiple federal agents entered the building, after which Kaur was called into a separate room and informed that she was being arrested. Although she was permitted to briefly contact her attorney, she was taken into custody shortly thereafter. For several hours, her family was not informed of her whereabouts.
The case has renewed debate around immigration enforcement practices, particularly involving long-term residents with strong community ties
It was later confirmed that Kaur had been transferred to Adelanto, a facility in Southern California that now functions as an ICE detention center. She remains detained there as legal proceedings continue. Family members say the conditions inside the facility are difficult, describing dormitory-style housing, constant lighting, and noise that makes rest challenging. Visits are limited and often require long waiting periods for short meetings.
Kaur’s family has deep roots in the local community. After initially settling in Laguna Beach, they later moved to Long Beach, where they lived and worked for many years. Kaur and her husband ran a popular Indian and Nepalese restaurant in Belmont Shore for over two decades and were known among local residents. She also worked for roughly 25 years at a neighborhood pharmacy before it closed earlier this year and was preparing to return to restaurant work.
Two of Kaur’s three children are US citizens, while her daughter Joti has legal status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The family has described the detention as distressing and unexpected.
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia, who represents the Long Beach area, has publicly called for Kaur’s release. His office has confirmed that it is in contact with federal authorities as the family explores legal options, including the possibility of securing her release on bond. The case has renewed debate around immigration enforcement practices, particularly involving long-term residents with strong community ties.
