Ten arrests made in Ilford “illegal” workers crackdown
Ten people have been arrested for immigration offences in Ilford as part of a multi agency operation on “illegal” workers.
The Recorder reported two weeks ago that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and Redbridge’s police force would be questioning groups of people who convene outside the gurdwara in High Road, Ilford, daily.
But chief executive of east London refugee and migrant forum Rita Chadha has blasted the approach as “inappropriate”.
“I think more could have been done to support those individuals.
“It’s a totally flawed system anyway, because many of them will go straight back on the streets. The best way to engage with these groups is to try and engage with them as human beings,” she added.
You may also want to watch:
After the swoop, it emerged many of the men, some of who are homeless, had “no recourse to public funds”, which is often a condition for those allowed to stay in the UK, meaning they cannot claim benefits.
A border agency spokesman said: “All ten were Indian nationals. They were granted immigration bail and will have to report to UKBA while we work to secure travel documents for them.”
Most Read
- 1 Restaurant apologises after allegations of verbal abuse between staff
- 2 Co-living development green-lit by council despite 'rabbit hutch' rooms
- 3 'Cheating surge': Dating site reveals how many people are having affairs in your area
- 4 Vulnerable woman dies burning charcoal for warmth after gas and electricity are cut off
- 5 Young Citizen nominee: Esha, 4, who inspired thousands to join bone marrow donor list
- 6 Nine Redbridge parks retain Green Flag Award status
- 7 Revealed: The most popular baby names in your area in 2020
- 8 Seven Kings School celebrates 90th birthday with fair
- 9 Met Office warns of flooding risk with heavy rain set to hit London
- 10 Iain Duncan Smith reveals death threat as MPs pay tribute to 'unfailingly kind' colleague
The ten have been granted immigration bail while the UKBA arrange travel documents for them to eventually be repatriated.
The issue was put in the spotlight after the trial of Jaswinder Singh, who murdered a fellow homeless man near Buckingham Road Cemetery, Ilford, in September last year in a revenge attack.
