ICE deports individual to India to face attempted murder and other charges

PHILADELPHIA – An Indian national, wanted on attempted murder and terrorism related criminal charges in India, was deported and turned over to Indian law enforcement authorities June 7 upon arrival to Indira Ghandi International Airport. He was escorted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.

Gurbax Singh, 66, was deported based on his 2009 conviction in New York for providing support to designated terrorist groups. He served three years in federal prison and was arrested by ICE officers upon his release from prison in November 2011.

Singh was also wanted in India on numerous charges, including attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms with intent to use them for unlawful purposes, illegal use of firearms, terrorist and disruptive activities, manufacturing and possessing explosives, and causing explosions with intent to endanger life and property. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in an attack on a local police post in Kairon, India.

According to court records, Singh admitted to hosting fundraiser activities at his residence for the designated terrorist organization known as the Khalistan Commando Force. Money raised was then transferred electronically and delivered to Pakistan.

"We will not allow terrorists and criminals to use the United States as a safe haven from justice in their home countries," said Thomas Decker, field office director for ERO Philadelphia. "ERO helps protect public safety by removing criminal aliens from the United States."

Since Oct. 1, 2009, ERO has removed more than 335 foreign fugitives from the United States who were being sought in their native countries for serious crimes, including kidnapping, rape and murder. ERO works with ICE's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Office of International Affairs, foreign consular offices in the United States, and Interpol to identify foreign fugitives illegally present in the country.

The removal was coordinated with HSI's Office of International Affairs, Consulate General of India in New York City, ICE's Office of Congressional Relations and the U.S. National Central Bureau of Interpol.