What is the case? 

In February 2020, two local residents intervened with officers involved in an immigration raid on Harringay Green Lanes. They stood watch, aware of the devastating consequences that immigration raids were having in their area. Their actions were non-violent. They were ensuring that people in the area knew their rights, concerned about what these officers were doing in their communities. However, both were arrested by immigration officers at the scene. 

These two Haringey residents have now been charged with the obstruction of immigration enforcement officers, and will be facing trial in November. Criminalising people for peacefully monitoring the actions of state agents is an unjust and dangerous infringement on all of our civil liberties. This case could set a worrying precedent, and these two concerned Haringey residents need your support to lodge the best legal defence against the charges. 

Who are we? 

This crowdfund is being supported by Haringey Anti-Raids, a loose network of local individuals who produce and share information on what to do if you are subject to or witness an immigration raid. The aim of the Anti Raids Network (ARN) is solely to gather and spread information which could be used to oppose immigration sweeps in our communities. Information includes alerts about raids, practical and legal resources, and stories and examples of resistance. Haringey Anti-Raids is concerned with ensuring that people know their rights, and can stand up to raids which affect their lives and communities.

How much are we raising and why? 

£3,000 initial target, £5,000 stretch target to cover legal fees with Hodge Jones & Allen.

Why does this case matter?

Immigration enforcement teams terrorise our communities and kidnap people to be detained and deported. It is vital that we are all able to monitor them, and to prevent abuses of power without fear of arrest. We know that enforcement teams engage in actions based on inaccurate information, effectively sweeping up racialised migrants in legally questionable raids which devastate personal lives, families, businesses and communities. The ability of concerned neighbours, friends, and onlookers to monitor, film, question, and support one another is fundamental, and this case is about our right to hold agents of the state to account. 

Thank you so much for your support,

Haringey Anti-Raids