No Borders demonstration outside the Home Office in Leeds

The demonstration was organised as part of an ongoing campaign to close down Waterside court.
People from across the region are forced to sign at Waterside as often as once a day, often having to queue outside for long periods. Once at Waterside people face the risk of being detained and sent to one of 10 detention centres across the UK to await deportation to countries such as Zimbabwe, The Democratic Republic of Congo and Afghanistan.

The demonstration was also in support of the detained mothers currently on hunger strike at the Yarl's Wood immigration detention centre in Bedford. Seven women in the 'family unit' there, including two breast-feeding mothers, are currently on hunger strike against Serco’s brutal regime and the forced removal of a Burundian woman and her baby on 17th April 08.

From 12 noon onwards people started to gather with placards and banners, leaflets were handed out to the staff and a stall was set up providing information about anti deportation campaigns and the No Borders network. A 'Free Shop' was also set up and food and drinks, including a BBQ, were provided for those having to sign.
Staff at the Home Office felt the need to go round the building closing all the blinds, clearly not wanting to be reminded of the role they play in destroying people's lives!

During the afternoon lots of people came to the stall to find out more about setting up anti deportation campaigns and to talk about the terrible treatment they have faced at the hands of the Home Office. Many were very keen to get more involved with the campaign and take part in the next demonstration. Leeds No Borders be holding protests outside the Home Office every two weeks. (photos to follow)