British authorities have initiated the detention of migrants as part of the plans to deport them to Rwanda, a move announced on Wednesday.
This action forms a core part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s major immigration strategy.
Following the recent parliamentary approval of legislation, the UK can now send asylum seekers to Rwanda who enter the country without proper authorization.
This policy is likely to be a focal point in the upcoming election that Sunak is anticipated to call later this year, with the first deportation flights targeted for July.
So far this year, over 7,500 migrants have reached England via small boats from France.
The government argues that the new legislation will act as a deterrent against the dangerous journey across the Channel, highlighted by the tragic deaths of five individuals last week while attempting this crossing.
Visuals released by the UK’s interior ministry depict scenes of a man being escorted into a van and another being handcuffed at his residence by immigration officers.
Interior Minister James Cleverly stated, “Our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground.”
However, the policy has met with significant opposition.
The FDA union, which represents civil servants, has initiated a legal challenge, arguing that the policy may force its members to violate international law.
“Civil servants should never be left in a position where they are conflicted between the instructions of ministers and adhering to the Civil Service Code, yet that is exactly what the government has chosen to do,” expressed Dave Penman, the union’s General Secretary.
Resistance also comes from other unions and human rights organizations, with anticipated legal actions to halt the deportations following a UK Supreme Court decision last year that deemed the policy unlawful.
The refugee charity Care4Calais noted that the detentions began on Monday, and their helpline has been inundated with calls from numerous concerned individuals unclear about who will be on the first deportation flight or when it might occur.
According to Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, the fear of detention and subsequent deportation is forcing some to avoid contact with their support networks and go underground.
In related news, The Sun Newspaper reported that Britain has already sent one asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme, which is separate from the current deportation policy.