AITA for getting my neighbour arrested and probably deported ?

A 22-year-old woman and her partner endured nearly two years of harassment from a hostile next-door neighbor who complained about everyday noises through thin apartment walls. The situation escalated from constant wall-banging and threats to physical assault when the neighbor grabbed her by the collar and shoved her.

After capturing the attack on video and reporting it, the neighbor was arrested. Despite the couple initially offering to drop charges if he moved out—which he did—the authorities continued the case, and the woman must now testify, potentially leading to his deportation.

‘AITA for getting my neighbour arrested and probably deported ?’

The couple’s new apartment quickly became a source of stress due to their neighbor’s extreme sensitivity to noise.

Tensions boiled over with threats and eventual violence caught on camera.

Legal consequences continued despite the neighbor moving out after the couple’s compromise offer.

Neighbor disputes over noise can escalate dangerously when one party responds with intimidation and violence instead of reasonable communication. The poster’s restraint—recording interactions for safety and initially seeking a non-legal resolution—shows maturity amid ongoing harassment.

What makes the story more complicated is the potential deportation, tied to the neighbor’s immigration status and the country’s policy on prosecuting assaults independently. Self-defense advocates stress that victims aren’t responsible for perpetrators’ broader consequences.

While some might view involving police as extreme, physical assault crosses into criminal territory warranting official intervention. From a broader perspective, holding aggressors accountable protects communities, especially vulnerable residents like those with anxiety. Deportation, if it occurs, stems directly from the neighbor’s choice to escalate to violence, not the victim’s report.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Users unanimously supported the poster, emphasizing the neighbor’s assault justified police involvement.

Several addressed immigration angles and criticized enabling dangerous behavior.

One commenter praised standing up but questioned the initial leniency.

This escalating neighbor conflict underscores how unchecked aggression can turn minor annoyances into serious safety threats—the poster rightly prioritized protection after enduring harassment, threats, and assault. Natural consequences, including potential deportation, fall squarely on the perpetrator’s choices. Standing firm against violence, even when outcomes feel heavy, often proves necessary for personal security.

Have you dealt with an unreasonably hostile neighbor—did you involve authorities or find another resolution? Would fear of severe consequences like deportation make you hesitate to report assault? How thin do apartment walls have to be before “quiet enjoyment” becomes impossible for everyone? Share your experiences below!