FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manchester No Borders[1] have just learnt that a group of activists have targeted the Group 4 Securicor (G4S) enforcement teams in Salford. G4S operates ‘snatch squads’ from Greater Manchester’s immigration reporting centre at Dallas Court, which aim to arrest suspected ‘failed’ asylum seekers and ‘irregular’ migrant workers.

The local migrant communities live under constant threat of being victims of dawn raids by the snatch squads, and being detained in removal centres or deported.

Early this morning, activists used a motorbike chain to lock shut the gate at Dallas Court, preventing the snatch teams from leaving the premises. They also hung a banner reading “Caution snatch squads – we are watching you”.

We understand that today’s action was part of a co-ordinated national day of action against snatch squads. Similar activities were expected to happen in other cities across the UK.

The activists also see themselves as part of a broader campaign in Manchester to highlight the contradictions of migration management and the injustice experienced by the most vulnerable. In November this year, an unknown group of activists had used superglue to sabotage the office door locks of consultancy firm FD Tamesis for its involvement in the construction of what will be Britain’s largest immigration prison[2].

In October, a protest by No Borders and anti-racist activists had secured the release from custody of an asylum seeker held at Longsight Police station. It is believed that the man would have been deported to Iran without the pressure from campaigners.

A spokesperson for Manchester No Borders welcomed today’s ‘dawn raid’ on G4S warning that “the pressure on those profiting from detentions and deportations is on. Direct action here has a direct impact on the lives of those affected”.


Notes:

[1] No Borders’ is an international network demanding freedom of movement for all and working for this through direct action. No Borders does not call for a reform of deportation centres or for 'fairer' immigration controls but for their complete abolition.

[2] Brook House, near Gatwick airport, will be the UK’s largest detention centre upon its completion. The problems and poor conditions facing detainees in deportation centres have been well-documented, for example by the BBC documentary “Real Story” (2005), which presented evidence of staff violence and racism. Some detainees will be deported to countries where they face the threat of political and other forms of violence.