The London Assembly has passed a motion condemning Waltham Forest and five other London councils for refusing to co-operate with Home Office Immigration Enforcement.

The motion was agreed on 10 September by 7 votes to 4, according to a press release from City Hall.

What the councils decided

According to the motion, Lewisham Council voted on 22 July 2026 to refuse co-operation with Home Office Immigration Enforcement, becoming the first local authority in the country to do so. Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest, Southwark and Haringey councils then adopted the same position.

The motion says the policy means these councils intend to limit, and in some cases block, data sharing with the Home Office for immigration enforcement purposes, and to work with local activist groups to create an "anti-raids sanctuary corridor".

It also notes that the Mayor of London has previously said immigration enforcement raids "cause fear and mistrust".

What the Assembly agreed

The motion states the Assembly's view that immigration enforcement is a national responsibility, and that councils should not obstruct enforcement operations.

In passing it, the Assembly resolved to:

  • condemn the decision of the councils refusing co-operation with Home Office Immigration Enforcement
  • direct the Chair of the Assembly to write to the Home Office asking for any operational concerns arising from the councils' decisions, and call on the Mayor to join the Chair in writing
  • urge all London boroughs to work co-operatively with Home Office Immigration Enforcement
  • affirm its support for lawful immigration enforcement, including intelligence-led operations targeting trafficking, exploitation and organised crime

What the proposer said

Keith Prince AM, who proposed the motion, said: "Immigration enforcement is a national responsibility and effective cooperation between local authorities and the Home Office is required to ensure the law is applied consistently and vulnerable people are protected, rather than adopting ridiculous activist-driven policies."

He added: "Where a local authority changes its approach to working with the Home Office, it is reasonable to understand what operational impact that may have and to ensure responsibilities remain clear."

About the Assembly

As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor, according to City Hall.

The City Hall press release did not include a response from Waltham Forest Council.