PROTESTORS have been arrested after an eight-hour-long anti-deportation stand-off in Pollokshields.
Hundreds of Glaswegians surrounded a Home Office van on Kenmure Street yesterday morning to stop the deportation of two men.
The demonstration lasted until around 6pm, with locals lying underneath the van and across the South Side street.
The two men - named Sumit Sehdev and Lakhvir Singh - were eventually released to a cheering crowd.
Police Scotland have confirmed that three people were arrested during the stand-off.
A spokesman said: "Two men, aged 31 and 32 and a 23-year-old woman were arrested following today's police operation in Kenmure Street."
After being released, Lakhvir spoke ITV news to say thank you to the hundreds of people that blocked the mmigration enforcement van.
He said: "[It is] the happiest feeling, the force of all the people coming there to support us.
"Thank you very, very much, thank you to all the people.
"Thank you."
He added: "I am so happy that my fate brought me to live here in Glasgow where the people are so connected they will come out on the streets to help one of their own."
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was among the Scottish politicians to condemn the raid as she branded the Home Office actions as "deeply concerning".
Ms Sturgeon 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."
Human rights lawyer Aamer Anwar is now representing the two men, who were released from the van and taken to a place of safety at a local mosque.
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