CHICAGO - An indian-origin man was stopped and questioned about his immigration status while walking in Chicago‘s Lincoln Park neighborhood on November 7,2023,prompting accusations of racial profiling and a swift condemnation from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. The incident, captured in a viral video, has ignited a debate about discrimination and the experiences of South Asian Americans.
The man,identified as harpreet Singh,was approached by a Chicago Police officer who asked for his identification and questioned him about his legal status in the United States. Singh, a U.S. citizen, documented the encounter on his phone, raising concerns about potential bias within law enforcement. The incident underscores ongoing anxieties within the south Asian community regarding heightened scrutiny and discrimination, particularly in the wake of increased immigration enforcement.
Governor Pritzker, responding to the video, stated unequivocally that the stop appeared to be “because of his skin color.” He pledged to work with chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Police Department to address the situation and ensure accountability. “there is absolutely no place for this type of behavior in Illinois,” Pritzker said in a statement released November 8,2023.
The Chicago Police Department has launched an examination into the incident. Superintendent Larry Snelling stated the department is taking the matter “very seriously” and will review body-worn camera footage and conduct interviews with the officer involved and witnesses. The investigation aims to determine whether the officer violated department policy or engaged in discriminatory practices.
Singh, a healthcare professional, has expressed shock and frustration over the encounter. He stated he felt targeted and humiliated by the officer’s actions. The incident has resonated widely within the Indian American community and beyond, prompting calls for greater sensitivity and training for law enforcement officers regarding implicit bias and cultural awareness. Civil rights organizations are monitoring the investigation and advocating for policy changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.