Waltham Forest Council Condemned Over Immigration Raid Stance

Waltham Forest Council has been condemned by London Assembly members for its stance on refusing to cooperate with Home Office immigration raids. The council, led by the Green Party, joins Hackney, Haringey, Lambeth, and Southwark in adopting this position, following an earlier decision by Lewisham Council. Immigration officers, working with local authorities and the Metropolitan Police, investigate businesses suspected of employing individuals without the right to work in the UK.

Motion Calls for Cooperation

At a recent London Assembly meeting, Keith Prince, a Reform party member and leader of Havering Council, introduced a motion urging all councils to work collaboratively with the Home Office. Mr Prince stated that immigration enforcement is a national responsibility and that cooperation is necessary to ensure consistent application of the law and the protection of vulnerable individuals. He described the anti-raid policies as 'ridiculous' and 'activist-driven'.

Council's 'Borough of Sanctuary' Stance

Councillor Paul Perkins, leader of Waltham Forest Council, defended the authority's position, stating it is proud to be a 'borough of sanctuary'. This commitment, he explained, values and celebrates migrants, refugees, and those seeking sanctuary who have settled in the borough. He added that the council is committed to protecting all vulnerable people and avoiding complicity in creating a hostile environment for migrants and refugees. The council is currently reviewing its cooperation with the Home Office and its statutory duties.

The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants has previously criticised Home Office raids, stating they cause fear within migrant communities and 'persecute migrants, tear apart our communities and seek to spread fear and division'.

Home Office Enforcement Figures

A spokesperson for the Home Office stated the department 'made no apology' for working with local authorities to fight criminals involved in immigration crime. The department reported an 83% increase in illegal working arrests and a 77% rise in raids between 1 July 2024 and 31 December 2025, attributing this to increased immigration enforcement action.

Waltham Forest Migrant Action expressed support for the council's opposition to cooperating with immigration raids. A spokesperson for the organisation told the Waltham Forest Echo that they work to ensure everyone is safe, welcome, and treated with dignity, regardless of immigration status. They welcomed the council's commitment to making Waltham Forest a true borough of sanctuary.