Originally published in our third print issue, Sam Doak remembers the Kenmure Street protest and reflects on the continued threat that the Home Office poses to many in our community.

By Sam Doak

At 12.13pm on 13 May I received a text from the local branch of my tenants’ union:

“Urgent! Ongoing action to prevent deportation of a family in Pollokshields! Come to 258 Kenmure Street if Possible! No evictions, no deportations!”

On arrival, I was immediately struck by the heavy police presence. With vans filling the street and scores of officers forming lines, the disproportionate force of the response seemed to be emphasised by the contrasting temperament of the crowd that had assembled. Representing a cross section of the community, the mood was determined but peaceful.

As the day progressed, the crowd that surrounded the Home Office’s immobilised vehicle grew steadily. Community members began distributing food, water and face masks, adding to the feeling of solidarity among those present. Songs, speeches and chants of “these are our neighbours, let them go” indicated the determination of the protestors. The message was clear: those who had assembled would not be willingly dispersed until their neighbours set free.

The mood of the crowd upon hearing that an agreement had been reached to release the men from custody was one of elation tempered with caution. Many were reluctant to take the authorities at their word. It was upon hearing reassurances from community leaders that euphoria took hold and the crowd moved to escort the two men as they were released. Both have subsequently been receiving legal support from Jelina Berlow Rahman and Latta & Co Solicitors. It is hoped that the issues surrounding their legal status in the UK may be resolved.

What was achieved at Kenmure Street should serve not only as an example of what is possible when communities work together in the face of injustice, but also as a reminder of the danger still faced by many within our city. Indeed, it emerged that an unnoticed dawn raid had been successfully carried out by Home Office officials on the same day elsewhere in the city. The need for vigilance was further emphasised in the subsequent week, when immigration enforcement vans were sighted in Paisley. This resulted in a swift response from local community groups and did not lead to any detentions.

It is clear that while Glaswegians ought to celebrate their success at Kenmure Street, complacency is not an option when the government’s position towards many within our communities is one of open hostility. Individuals and activist groups within this space show no intention of resting on their laurels. No Evictions Network Glasgow have announced plans to foster improved coordination between the city’s anti-raids groups and increase their engagement with affected communities. WhatsApp groups are being set up in different neighbourhoods. Through these efforts and others, concerned members of the public will be able to maintain a level of readiness and be capable of responding again when needed. What happened at Kenmure Street was not a fluke. It is repeatable.

A wealth of resources have been shared online, detailing what local groups deem to be appropriate responses when witnessing immigration enforcement vehicles in your area. No Evictions Network advises contacting either the Unity Centre at 0141 427 7992 or No Evictions Campaign at 07448 515094 as an initial response. The Unity Centre has published resources for those who find themselves the subject of immigration enforcement actions. Unless under arrest, their advice in such situations is to not engage with immigration officials and leave if possible.