US Deportation Fear: Why Undocumented Gujaratis Are Skipping Garba

Strict immigration enforcement and deportation fears across the United States have created unprecedented tension among undocumented immigrants. For the Gujarati community, Navratri and Garba have always been vibrant cultural staples, celebrated openly across American cities. However, the situation has shifted dramatically. In this video, we uncover why many undocumented Gujaratis and asylum seekers are actively avoiding large public Garba gatherings, opting instead for quiet, low-key celebrations in home basements. With local police stepping up nighttime checks and sharing data on missed court hearings or ICE check-in violations—alongside recent DUI arrests—the fear of immediate detention and deportation is at an all-time high.