The expulsion of tens of thousands of Beijing’s migrant workers from the slums that ring the city has triggered a social outcry, as professionals and students rally to the defence of those who called the slums home.

A fatal fire this month prompted the Beijing city government to accelerate its goal of ridding the capital of “urban diseases” and capping the population at 23m. That policy requires expelling tens of thousands of migrant workers who staff the city’s small businesses and service companies, including the ubiquitous delivery men who drive China’s ecommerce boom.

As the campaign to tear down entire neighbourhoods gained steam, videos and photos circulated online showing migrants carting away furniture, while schoolchildren with backpacks threaded their way through piles of belongings left on the streets. Other outraged netizens shared past statements by Communist party officials and government bureau referring to migrants as “low-level” people.