The Kenmure Street Protest: A Community's Stand Against Immigration Enforcement

On May 13, 2021, UK Immigration Enforcement conducted a raid in Glasgow's Kenmure Street, coinciding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. This operation aimed to detain two men living at the property but was met with immediate and overwhelming resistance from the local community. Hundreds of residents gathered to surround the enforcement van, effectively preventing its departure for eight hours. This spontaneous act of civil disobedience has since been documented in the film *Everybody to Kenmure Street*, directed by Felipe Bustos Sierra.

The Guardian

The protest at Kenmure Street is rooted in Glasgow's long history of activism, which includes notable events such as rent strikes and shipyard occupations. Bustos Sierra highlights the influence of movements like Black Lives Matter on contemporary protest strategies, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces for community engagement. The film draws parallels between the Kenmure Street protest and previous acts of solidarity, such as the efforts of the Glasgow Girls, who campaigned against the detention of their Kosovan school friend in the early 2000s.

The Guardian

The film features various individuals who participated in the protest, including local residents, activists, and community leaders. Notably, an anonymous activist known as "Van Man" played a crucial role by physically obstructing the enforcement vehicle. His actions, along with those of others, exemplified the collective spirit of the community. Bustos Sierra also interviews younger activists like Pinar Aksu, who stress the importance of sharing stories of resistance in the face of rising anti-immigration sentiment.

The Guardian

Bustos Sierra reflects on the protest's significance, stating, “We need to remember: if we don’t turn up, nothing happens.” This sentiment underscores the film's message about the power of community action and solidarity. Activists involved in the protest express a desire for narratives that inspire hope, especially as anti-immigration sentiments grow in the UK.

The Guardian

Five years after the Kenmure Street protest, attitudes toward immigration in the UK have hardened, with groups like Reform UK gaining traction in upcoming elections. Critics argue that the current political climate poses challenges for similar acts of civil resistance. Zandra Yeaman, a curator at The Hunterian in Glasgow, acknowledges the city's complex history with issues of race and immigration, noting, “We like to think of ourselves as anti-racist, radical, willing to stand up for people’s rights.”

The Guardian

• “They had the time – we had the water.” — Felipe Bustos Sierra, Director

The Guardian

• “This isn’t my face but these are my words.” — Emma Thompson, Voice of Van Man

The Guardian

• “People need to hear a story like this now.” — Pinar Aksu, Activist

The Guardian

As the film *Everybody to Kenmure Street* gains recognition, it serves as a reminder of the potential for collective action in challenging oppressive systems. The narrative encourages ongoing engagement in social justice issues, emphasizing that community solidarity remains vital in the face of adversity.

The Guardian