JOLIET, Ill. — Illinois’ Joliet Police Department is in hot water for the recent assault of a Sikh American by one of its police officers. The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund is seeking an immediate probe into the attack, calling it racially motivated and xenophobic. Kuldip Singh Nag, a decorated U.S. Navy veteran, was accosted by the police officer in his home for an expired vehicle registration tag. An altercation ensued and the officer assaulted Nag with his pepper spray and baton while saying anti-immigrant statements. “We are horrified at the anti-immigrant sentiment the officer allegedly used as he violently accosted Mr. Nag, and further that his 6-year-old son was a witness to this violent assault. We call upon both Joliet and Illinois officials to investigate this incident and for the Illinois community to stand in solidarity with Mr. Nag,” said SALDEF managing director Kavneet Singh.
