Threats against immigration lawyers 'have intensified'

Threats against immigration lawyers have intensified since last year’s summer riots, a practitioner group has warned, following reports that organisations supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers have received threats from far-right and anti-migrant protesters.

According to the Guardian, at least two refugee NGOs that support asylum seekers who received notices from the Home Office that they will be removed to France under a ‘one in, one out’ scheme have closed their offices after receiving ‘credible’ threats to their safety. 

A statement from several organisations, such as Liberty, Care4Calais, Bail for Immigration Detainees, and lawyers, said organisations supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers had been the target of increased media reporting and social media attacks in the last few days.

'Divisive rhetoric, which fuels mistrust, misinformation and hostility towards migrants and migrant organisations, is placing our communities, staff and volunteers at serious risk. These attacks are not just words on a page - they have consequences. Communities are living in fear, our staff and volunteers are receiving abuse, and our offices are being targeted,' the statement said.

'The migration sector, already struggling with scarce resources, is now being forced to operate quietly, fearing that visibility will bring abuse or even physical danger.'

A year since details of law firms and advice agencies were shared on a list of targets for protest and violence, the Immigration Law Practitioners Association told the Gazette that the threats have intensified.

'The Guardian's report reflects what our members are experiencing daily - organisations silenced through intimidation, staff subjected to appalling threats, and access to justice for migrants and refugees put at risk. This is not only about individual safety but about protecting the rule of law itself. We also urge politicians and the media to use language responsibly. Terms like “illegal migrants” fuel hostility and put lives in danger,' ILPA said.

ILPA also urged the government and law enforcement agencies to investigate credible threats, protect practitioners, and ‘ensure lawyers can continue to carry out their professional duties without fear’.