Lewisham Council has become the first local authority in the United Kingdom to refuse to assist Home Office immigration raids. The decision was made by the Green-led council, which stated it would no longer cooperate with immigration enforcement.
According to Home Office figures, immigration enforcement teams conducted 2,715 illegal working visits and raids in London during 2025, leading to 2,172 arrests. This represents an increase from the 2,008 raids conducted the previous year.
Green councillor Hau-Yu Tam, who put forward the motion, highlighted specific instances of raids. In January 2026, immigration raids occurred at a nail bar in Catford and a car wash in Brockley. These operations were attended by the then immigration minister Mike Tapp and a Sky News film crew.
Cllr Tam, who serves as cabinet member for communities, sanctuary and healing, described the raids as "political theatre" and "a theatre of cruelty." She noted that despite the resources deployed and the media attention, only two individuals were arrested at the nail bar, and both were later released on bail. The nail bar was subsequently raided again a few days later.
"According to local accounts, Chinese women workers were filmed, handcuffed and intimidated by a large officer team. They were not arrested, but they were intimidated," Tam stated.
She questioned the effectiveness of such operations, asserting that there is "no evidence these operations are making our community safer." Tam concluded that "Our immigration system is broken."