The UK government is accelerating its plans to detain and deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, with surprise raids and detentions set to commence earlier than anticipated. According to The Guardian, officials will detain refugees during routine meetings at immigration service offices or bail appointments, as well as conduct nationwide pickups over two weeks.
Enver Solomon, the chief executive of the Refugee Council, criticized the government's approach, warning of the potential for chaos and human suffering. Detainees will swiftly be transferred to detention centers before being deported to Rwanda. The Home Office confirmed that the Prime Minister's Safety of Rwanda Act, recently approved, marks the final step in implementing this policy to address illegal migration.
During a Sunday interview, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reiterated his focus on "stopping the boats" and emphasized his commitment to implementing the Rwanda operation. Sunak highlighted the increased detention spaces, with capacity now expanded to 2,200.
In Scotland, police are on high alert amid concerns of street protests and attempts by pro-refugee campaigners to halt detentions. While officers will not participate in detentions, they will manage crowd control. Past protests in Scotland have successfully halted deportations, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the government's actions.
Opposition leaders have condemned the move, describing it as "amoral" and a "cruel political gimmick." The timing of the operation, just ahead of local council elections in England, has sparked concerns about potential legal challenges, community unrest, and clashes with law enforcement.
