Serious concerns have been raised after reports PSNI officers carried out unannounced visits to homes in Portadown on Saturday evening.
According to residents in the Obins Street area, two officers called at properties around 8pm, asked to see passports, enquired whether the buildings were Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), and questioned how long people had been living at the addresses.
John O’Dowd MLA described the incidents as “unacceptable policing” and said urgent answers were needed.
“It’s very worrying that two PSNI officers were calling to apartments in Obins Street and other areas of Portadown on a Saturday night, demanding to see residents’ passports and asking if the properties were HMOs,” he said.
“This is unacceptable policing, and someone must be held accountable for giving these orders.
“We are seeing a concerning increase in racially motivated incidents in this area, and the actions of the PSNI risk fuelling further fear and division.”
Councillor Paul Duffy said many of the people targeted were well-established members of the local community.
“Many of the residents affected are long-term members of the community who have lived and worked in the area for years, they do not deserve this kind of harassment,” he said.
“Racism has no place in our society, and it must be stamped out at every level.”
Sinn Féin is calling on the PSNI to explain the legal basis for the visits, who authorised them, and whether correct procedures were followed.
Armagh I has reached out to the PSNI for a response.
