Raids target illegal immigrants

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Eight people connected to a security firm in Glasgow have been arrested in connection with immigration offences and unlicensed employment.

They were detained during a series of raids at construction sites in the north of the city on Thursday evening.

The multi-agency operation, led by Strathclyde Police, followed on from successful raids in March.

The people detained will now be subject to further immigration checks before facing possible deportation.

Police targeted 21 sites that were being guarded by the security firm.

The operation started at 1800 BST following a briefing in Maryhill police station.

Eight teams, also comprising members of Revenue and Customs, the UK Border Agency, the Department of Work and Pensions and the Security Industry Authority, carried out the raids just before 2100 BST on Thursday.

We will step in and identify employers who are breaking our immigration laws and remove those people who are in the UK illegally Phil TaylorUK Border Agency Police said six sites were vacant when they arrived.

Ch Insp Alan Spiers, from Strathclyde Police, said: "We're trying to send two messages to the security industry.

"Firstly, if you want to provide security to the building industry, you have to comply with legislation.

"You have to legally employ people, pay people on the proper terms and conditions and run your businesses above board.

"Secondly, we're sending a message to the companies who employ the security firms to take every measure to ensure they're credible."

A spokesman for the Security Industry Authority said he would now liaise with other agencies involved to determine the extent of any breaches.

He said firms found to be involved in illegal activity could have their licences suspended or revoked.

Individual employees, who were found to have approved illegal activity, could also have their industry licences penalised.

Phil Taylor, from the UK Border Agency, said: "We are determined to deal with this threat to our communities.

"We will step in and identify employers who are breaking our immigration laws and remove those people who are in the UK illegally."