Key Takeaways
• Harpreet Singh, accused BKI member, was arrested by ICE and FBI in Sacramento, California, in April 2025.
• Singh faces at least 17 criminal charges in India, including over 12 grenade attacks and large-scale extortion.
• US-India intelligence cooperation enabled Singh’s three-year manhunt arrest; extradition proceedings to India are expected soon.
Harpreet Singh, an Indian national from Punjab’s Amritsar district, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Sacramento, California 🇺🇸, in mid-April 2025. Authorities believe he is a top member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), a group that has been labeled as a terrorist organization by the United States government. Singh’s arrest is being called a major milestone for international law enforcement partnerships and indicates strong cooperation between the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳 against transnational crime.
This case has drawn the attention of agencies on both sides of the world, as news about Singh’s activities and the details of his arrest highlight the growing challenge of tracking dangerous fugitives who move across international borders. As reported by VisaVerge.com, his story also brings to light the complex immigration procedures and the challenges officials face when individuals with serious criminal backgrounds cross into the United States 🇺🇸 without legal permission.
Let’s break down the facts, examine how authorities tracked and arrested Harpreet Singh, and explore what this case means for immigration controls and global cooperation against terrorism.
Who Is Harpreet Singh?
Harpreet Singh, also known by his aliases Happy Passia and Jora, is originally from Passia village in Punjab’s Amritsar district. For several years, he has been listed as one of India 🇮🇳’s most wanted men. According to Indian authorities, Singh’s name appears in at least 17 criminal cases, many under anti-terrorism and drug-related laws. Remarkably, 12 of these cases were registered over just a 17-month period, from November 2022 to April 2024.
Singh is not just wanted for minor offenses. Police and intelligence sources allege that he was deeply involved in planning and carrying out more than a dozen grenade attacks on police officials. These attacks targeted both police stations and the house of a retired Punjab police officer. Besides violent assaults, authorities accuse him of running large-scale extortion schemes.
Singh’s activities are reported to have been directed in close partnership with Harwinder Singh Sandhu, better known as Rinda. Rinda is another highly wanted BKI member who operates from Pakistan 🇵🇰. Together, they allegedly played key roles in recruiting new members, planning attacks, funding terror activities, and moving weapons.
What Is Babbar Khalsa International (BKI)?
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) is a group rooted in separatist politics, but over the years, it has become better known for its violent methods. The U.S. Department of State has named BKI as a foreign terrorist organization, which means any support for this group is considered illegal in the United States 🇺🇸. BKI is accused of being involved in attacks not only in India 🇮🇳 but also of threatening the security of other countries.
Intelligence reports allege that BKI receives backing from networks based in Pakistan 🇵🇰. This cross-border support has made BKI members especially difficult to catch, as they often move from country to country. Singh’s suspected leadership role meant he was central in organizing logistics such as safe houses, money transfers, and weapons caches for BKI missions—making him a top target for law enforcement.
Details of His Entry and Activity in the United States 🇺🇸
Around 2021, Harpreet Singh entered the United States 🇺🇸 without permission. Reports say that he fled India 🇮🇳, crossed through Mexico 🇲🇽, and entered Arizona. U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended him, but because of existing procedures for those claiming fear of persecution or torture if returned home, he was released from custody while waiting for immigration proceedings. Soon after, Singh disappeared inside the county and did not attend his required legal appointments.
This pattern—where individuals with pending legal cases are released and then go “off the radar”—has drawn criticism from U.S. officials. Homeland Security leaders stated that such cases highlight serious problems in the current immigration system, especially when people with violent backgrounds are not kept in detention.
The Arrest in California 🇺🇸
After remaining hidden for almost three years, Singh was finally located and arrested in Sacramento, California 🇺🇸, by ICE agents working together with the FBI’s Sacramento office. According to available information, the exact arrest date was either April 16 or April 17, 2025, though sources differ slightly on the specific day.
The operation involved close cooperation between U.S. and Indian law enforcement. Intelligence agencies from both countries tracked Singh’s moves and shared detailed information to pinpoint his location. U.S. officials confirmed that Indian intelligence played a role in this process, providing information on his past activities, communication links, and likely hideouts.
Public Statements from American and Indian Officials
FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Captured: Harpreet Singh…who we believe was involved in planning multiple attacks on police stations both in India and the United States. Justice will be served. The FBI will continue to pursue those who perpetrate violence…” This statement underscores the seriousness with which U.S. law enforcement views Singh’s arrest and the determination to ensure no one evades justice.
Homeland Security officials pointed to failures in earlier immigration handling, noting that someone facing such serious charges should not have been allowed to blend into U.S. society for so long.
Indian officials were also quick to comment on the case. The Director General of Police for Punjab called the arrest a “major milestone” in fighting terror groups linked to Pakistan 🇵🇰, particularly those that aim attacks at Indian 🇮🇳 interests using international operatives. Indian agencies credited this arrest to the strong partnership with U.S. authorities, saying such cooperation was vital for taking on global threats.
Criminal Accusations and Legal Proceedings
According to Punjab Police, Singh faces a host of criminal investigations. The most serious charges include:
- Involvement in at least 17 cases under anti-terror and drug laws; most filed recently (Nov 2022 to Apr 2024)
- Central role in more than 12 grenade attacks, including one in Chandigarh in September 2024, which Indian agencies described as one of the country’s worst incidents in recent years
- Organizing logistics for terror cells and helping move money, weapons, and people across international lines
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India 🇮🇳’s top counterterror body, has identified Singh as one of the primary conspirators behind a major grenade attack in Chandigarh alongside his associate Rinda.
Why Singh’s Arrest Matters for Immigration and Security
Singh’s case raises uncomfortable questions about how fugitives facing very serious charges abroad can enter and remain in the United States 🇺🇸. The process that allowed his release—pending immigration court—was standard for thousands of people, but Singh’s history of terror charges makes it clear that current screening may need extra layers for such cases.
It also highlights the need for international intelligence sharing when it comes to people flagged by other countries as major threats.
The fact that Singh chose California 🇺🇸 as his hiding place is important. California hosts a large South Asian community and often sees high levels of cross-continental travel, which can help someone blend in. Law enforcement sources noted that high-profile fugitives often relocate to areas with sizeable populations from their home regions for greater anonymity.
Steps in Cross-Border Cooperation
The Singh case is an example of how law enforcement across countries can share information and work together to deal with growing threats that do not respect borders. Intelligence sharing between the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳 enabled the identification, tracking, and eventual arrest of a suspect with a long record of criminal activity.
Officials hope this level of cooperation can help block safe havens for people accused of violence or terror, not just for Singh’s case but as a model for future efforts.
Potential Extradition
Now in ICE custody, Singh faces immigration court hearings that will determine his future in the United States 🇺🇸. The Indian government is expected to file a formal request for his extradition, asking that he be sent back to India 🇮🇳 to face criminal charges. Extradition is a legal process where one country formally asks another to transfer a suspect to stand trial.
Extradition requests can be complex, especially for cases involving accusations of terrorism. The United States and India 🇮🇳 have an extradition treaty, but each case is decided on its facts. The process looks at the seriousness of the alleged crimes, the evidence presented, and concerns about what the accused might face if returned—such as risks of unfair treatment or torture.
A court will review evidence from both sides. If the U.S. government agrees with the extradition request, Singh could be flown to India 🇮🇳 under guard.
Controversy and Different Views
Not everyone agrees on how such cases should be handled. Civil liberties advocates sometimes warn about rushing to deport or extradite people without a full review, especially if there are questions about the fairness of trials in the requesting country. On the other hand, law enforcement voices warn that delays may endanger the public or allow criminal activities to continue.
This ongoing debate is part of why immigration and extradition law remains so complex. Governments must balance human rights protections with the urgent need to prevent crime and protect people.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
Singh’s arrest is likely to become a talking point in politics about immigration enforcement in the United States 🇺🇸. Homeland Security officials have already said the case shows the dangers of not detaining people with violent records. Pressure may build to change how quickly suspects with serious allegations are identified and kept in custody instead of being released.
For people applying for visas, green cards, or other immigration benefits, this case may also mean more detailed background checks and more questions about previous criminal activity abroad.
Help and Information for Concerned Readers
Anyone with questions about current immigration proceedings or how criminal records affect applications can find help from official government sources. The official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website has up-to-date information on eligibility and rules, including the impact of criminal histories on cases.
For example, you can read more about immigration enforcement and removal proceedings on the official ICE website.
Summary of Key Points
- Harpreet Singh, an Indian 🇮🇳 national accused of terror offenses, was arrested by ICE and the FBI in Sacramento, California 🇺🇸 in April 2025.
- Singh is suspected of playing a leading role in Babbar Khalsa International, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
- He faces at least 17 criminal cases in India 🇮🇳, mostly related to grenade attacks, conspiracy, and extortion.
- Singh entered the United States 🇺🇸 illegally through Mexico 🇲🇽, was briefly detained, and later disappeared before being found in California.
- The arrest was the result of close U.S.-India 🇺🇸🇮🇳 cooperation and intelligence sharing.
- His case highlights flaws in the detention and release process for those awaiting immigration hearings.
- Extradition to India 🇮🇳 is likely but will follow a legal process under the U.S.-India treaty.
- The case is already fueling debate about immigration and security policy.
Next Steps and What to Watch
Moving forward, all eyes will be on the U.S. immigration court as it reviews the case for potential extradition. Lawmakers and immigration authorities could use Singh’s example to suggest new rules for handling high-risk fugitives.
If you’re following immigration news for personal or professional reasons, keep an eye on updates from trusted sources. VisaVerge.com will continue to monitor the case and provide clear updates as proceedings unfold. As always, for people involved in immigration proceedings, checking the official ICE website or seeking trusted legal advice is the best way to get answers.
This case is a prime example of why global cooperation, careful screening, and strong law enforcement partnerships are essential in today’s world—especially when threats can travel across borders as quickly as people do.
Learn Today
Extradition → A legal process where one country formally asks another to hand over a suspect for prosecution or punishment.
Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) → A separatist group labeled a foreign terrorist organization by the US, involved in violent attacks and transnational crime.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → A US federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, including arrest and removal of unauthorized immigrants.
Grenade Attack → The use of explosive grenades to cause destruction, injury, or intimidation—often associated with terrorism or violent crime.
Intelligence Sharing → Cooperation between countries’ agencies to exchange information about criminal or security threats, aiding investigations and arrests.
This Article in a Nutshell
Harpreet Singh, a top Babbar Khalsa International member, was arrested in Sacramento, California by ICE and FBI in April 2025. His case highlights flaws in US immigration screening and demonstrates strong intelligence cooperation between the United States and India. Extradition to India for terror charges is being reviewed in court.
— By VisaVerge.com
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