Open Letter Sent to Simon Opher Regarding Local Immigration Raids from SAR
Dear Simon
We want you to be aware of the impact of this Labour Government’s policy on immigration in your constituency and our town of Stroud.
On Tuesday 13th May a group of immigration officers dressed in what can only be described as ‘military style’ attire were in the town centre entering various shops and establishments. This was brought to our attention and one of our members managed to get to the town centre to support people who were confused and dismayed.
We saw overt racism in action - a Trumpesque styled raid that had little to do with law enforcement, which only served to traumatise a group of people who are non-white. This tactic is being used by the Home Office to detain or interrogate migrants; to make them feel unwelcome and spread fear and confusion in the surrounding community. The Immigration Act 1971 act is clear that individuals have the right to refuse to answer any questions, business establishments do not have to let them in and they can only enter with consent, a warrant, or an AD letter (unless the business is licensed to sell alcohol, or late night food or drink). None of these establishments were and we saw no evidence of warrants or letters either.
These businesses are part of the fabric of our community, their staff providing needed services on a high street that we constantly hear talk about regenerating. This has left many of us wondering what next – will our black and brown community be stopped on the street? Do you or the government understand the consequences of these actions – creating fear and mistrust, supporting the growth of racist thinking in our community?
We can tell you stories of Nazi swatikas being found in Stratford Park and McDonald's, the aggression felt by some of our non-white community accessing public services. But we are Stroud and we will not be bowed.
We urge you to speak to the Government on our behalf and we request the opportunity to meet with you to discuss these and other issues that impact people of colour in Stroud and the community as a whole.
We are on hand to support anyone you encounter who are affected by these issues.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Stroud Against Racism
Post by Stroud Against Racism (SAR) an anti-racism organisation based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. For more information about SAR or to sign up to our pledge or membership, visit: www.stroudagainstracism.co.uk