Protesters took to the streets in Peckham, south-east London, on Saturday afternoon to prevent immigration officers from removing the man. Footage posted on social media showed a crowd of people sitting on the ground in front of the vehicle amid shouts of “let him go”. In another video, police and activists were seen clashing as other protesters shouted “no need for violence”. Reginald Popoola, a Labor adviser for Nun Head and Queen’s Road, said on Twitter: “Immigration police raid on our wing NOW. I’m here with over 100 others. Prevent the truck from picking up one of our neighbors – come and join us now at Evan Cook Close SE15! “ It is estimated that more than 200 people watched the makeshift protest that ended with the man being released, to the delight of the crowd. Mr Popoola said: “I thank everyone who came down in such a short time. Southwark must not tolerate illegal raids. Together, we can win! “ Lewisham Anti-Raids, a community activist group, said on Twitter that after four hours of protest, “popular power is winning”. Eleanor Janega, 39, from south-east London, said: “We were informed that there was an ongoing immigration raid, so the locals came down to stop it. “We were sitting here blocking the van and eating lollipops. They brought more police and tried to break into the crowd by pushing us. We all sat down. “ Videos posted on the Internet showed the crowd cheering and shouting “shame on you” as police left the scene. A Meteorological Police spokesman confirmed that a man arrested on suspicion of immigration offenses had been released from the truck and is currently on bail. In a statement, the force said: “Police were called to Evan Cook Close, SE15, on Saturday, June 11, shortly after 1:30 p.m. in a report of protesters obstructing immigration officers. “Officers attended and found that a truck was being prevented from leaving the site. A man has been arrested by Border Police officers on suspicion of immigration offenses. The police remain on the spot. “ A Home Office spokesman said: “The government is tackling illegal immigration and the damage it often causes to the most vulnerable, removing those who are not allowed to be in the UK. The operation in Southwark was carried out in connection with suspected immigration offenses. “It is unacceptable to prevent immigration enforcement teams from doing their job. “Blocking or obstructing them will not prevent them from taking on the tasks that the public rightly expects them to fulfill.” The successful protest comes after criticism of Interior Minister Pretty Patel’s highly controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. The policy has gone one step closer, after a Supreme Court judge rejected the activists’ offer for an order to cancel the first flight abroad, which is scheduled for Tuesday.
