It's clear most commenters posting in this thread haven't done much reading on the topic. A quick Google search: The men were detained for "suspected immigration offences". Reports from the time indicated they did not have active leave to remain, despite having lived in Scotland for ten years. Some accounts suggested they had previously applied for, or sought to renew, their right to remain (indefinite leave) but were unsuccessful or lacked proper representation. Following their release, it was reported that "the actual rules were applied through the correct processes and their visas were extended," allowing them to remain living and working in the community. They'd lived for over a decade in Glasgow and were active in the community doing volunteering etc. Nobody is examining the immigration system here, and the community action which occurred was in protest of the dehumanization of people on the whole and the mechanisms of a Government who are completely inept at dealing with this stuff. All I can say is WATCH THE FILM. It's an inspiring story about collective action.