On 2 November, a group of protestors walked into the Home Office premises at Brand St, Glasgow, and occupied the reporting centre section of the building, forcing its closure for one working day.


The office was occupied in protest at the 'criminalisation' of asylum seekers under current immigration regulations, which require many asylum seekers in Glasgow to report in person weekly to this building. They may be finger printed and asked for identity verification. Paroled criminals are not subject to such a restrictive reporting schedule, but asylum seekers are.


On other occasions, demonstrators also protested heavy-handed tactics used by immigration officials and police when taking a family into detention. Families are routinely treated as criminals when they are arrested in ‘dawn raids’. Immigration officials and flak-jacketed police officers enter a family’s home early in the morning and take the family into detention. Males over 18 are handcuffed and transported in a caged van.

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Asylum seekers and protestors outside the home office. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

Asylum seekers and protestors outside the home office.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

After the protest disbanded, police officers targeted three individuals for arrest, including MSP Tommy Sheridan and the young man pictured. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

After the protest disbanded, police officers targeted three individuals for arrest, including MSP Tommy Sheridan and the young man pictured.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

A human chain blocks the entrance to the home office. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

A human chain blocks the entrance to the home office.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

As the day progresses, more asylum seekers arrive. Here, they listen as protestors explain the reason for the blockade. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005  

As the day progresses, more asylum seekers arrive. Here, they listen as protestors explain the reason for the blockade.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

 

Protestors maintain the blockade throughout the morning. Although asylum seekers were unable to report, a Home Office official waited outside in the cold to reassure them that there would be no repercussions against them. Govan, Glasgow, 

Protestors maintain the blockade throughout the morning. Although asylum seekers were unable to report, a Home Office official waited outside in the cold to reassure them that there would be no repercussions against them.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

Sign at the entrance to the Festival Court Reporting Centre. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

Sign at the entrance to the Festival Court Reporting Centre.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

The police having dismantled the barricade, protestors maintain a human wall blocking entrance to the home office. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

The police having dismantled the barricade, protestors maintain a human wall blocking entrance to the home office.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

When the local police arrived, their commander requests that the protestors disband. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

When the local police arrived, their commander requests that the protestors disband.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

As dawn approaches, protestor Paddy Hill warms himself by the barricade.. Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

As dawn approaches, protestor Paddy Hill warms himself by the barricade..
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005

Police officer Robert Shaw (left) speaks with a protestor, socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan. This particular police officer is seconded to Immigration, and is part of a team of officers who accompany immigration officials on ‘dawn raids’ to take as

Police officer Robert Shaw (left) speaks with a protestor, socialist MSP Tommy Sheridan. This particular police officer is seconded to Immigration, and is part of a team of officers who accompany immigration officials on ‘dawn raids’ to take asylum seekers into detention.
Govan, Glasgow, 21 November 2005