OXFORD residents, especially people of colour, are troubled by last week’s reports in the Oxford Mail of immigration officials raiding restaurants and fast food outlets; arresting workers, suspected of not having the authority to live and work in this country.

The English tradition of liberty is of such value to us all that we should shun, resist and be horrified at the raids that have taken place in Summertown.

These ‘illegal’ people are prepared to work, and by working they are contributing to the wealth of the economy.

When they are arrested, they are held as prisoners in for-profit detention camps, which cost the Treasury thousands.

There has to be a better way of addressing the issue of ‘illegal’ workers. The English are known for valuing liberty.

For this reason, Karl Marx sought out London as a place of sanctuary from persecution.

Historically, the only time the British would be asked to show “your papers please” was at the ports of entry.

But today, employers, landlords, and banks are now required to scrutinise “your papers” before employment or services can be offered.

We should uphold the British tradition of liberty by employing sufficient immigration officials at the ports of entry, rather than ordering employers, banks and landlords to act as unpaid immigration officers.

CHAKA ARTWELL Barton, Oxford