NICOLA Sturgeon has said she is "deeply concerned" after police were called to a Glasgow street where protesters are trying to prevent immigration officers from removing people from a property.
Sturgeon, who was this morning sworn in as an MSP, criticised the Home Office's actions.
Posting a video of events to Twitter, she said: "As constituency MSP, I am deeply concerned by this action by the Home Office, especially today in the heart of a community celebrating Eid.
"My office is making urgent enquiries and stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to those detained."
As constituency MSP, I am deeply concerned by this action by the Home Office, especially today in the heart of a community celebrating Eid. My office is making urgent enquiries and stands ready to offer any necessary assistance to those detained https://t.co/jkdhDBvX31
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) May 13, 2021
Locals in Kenmure Street, Glasgow, came out in their droves as news spread that a family were being removed from a property in the street by immigration enforcement officers.
By lunchtime, around 200 protestors had surrounded the Home Office van with the family inside.
More than 30 police officers were drafted in to form a human barrier around the van as locals refused to back down.
They have been unable to move the van because one protester has crawled underneath, and is refusing to move.
Chants of “These are our neighbours, let them go” and “shame on you” to officers came from the crowd.
A large police presence had both ends of the street locked down as locals, in some cases holding small children or with their dogs, created such a crowd that the van had nowhere to go.
Our reporter @abbi_garton is on the scene, where crowds are chanting: "These are our neighbours, let them go” pic.twitter.com/g5N6iKeQAk
— The National (@ScotNational) May 13, 2021
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Glasgow MSP Alison Thewliss was among those to condemn the Home Office action.
She said on Twitter: "This is absolutely awful, but heartened to see local residents in Pollokshields standing up for their neighbours and refusing to accept the brutality of the UK Home Office.
“I am taking this matter up with Ministers. Not in our name."
This is absolutely awful, but heartened to see local residents in Pollokshields standing up for their neighbours and refusing to accept the brutality of the @ukhomeoffice.
— Alison Thewliss (@alisonthewliss) May 13, 2021
I am taking this matter up with Ministers. Not in our name. https://t.co/UiVKZNArVm
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie slammed the Home Office and said Scotland must build an asylum system worthy of the name.
“It’s horrific that people have been forced to take such action to defend their most vulnerable neighbours from the brutality of the UK Home Office," he commented.
“The current regime, presided over by the institutionally racist Home Office, is inhumane.
"Scotland needs an asylum system worthy of the name, and asylum support provided to a standard that our communities can be proud of.”
The Home Office has been contacted for comment.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Around 9.55 am this morning, Thursday, May 13, 2021, police were called to support colleagues at the UK Border Agency at an address in Kenmure Street, Pollokshields, Glasgow.
"A number of protesters are now at the location. Officers are at the scene and enquiries are continuing."
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