British authorities have initiated the detention of migrants in preparation for their relocation to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, as announced by the government on Wednesday. This action forms a part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's immigration strategy.
A law was enacted in April by parliament to enable the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered Britain without permission. Sunak aims to launch the first flights in July. The government hopes that this policy will deter individuals from undertaking the perilous journey across the Channel, as more than 7,500 migrants have arrived in England via small boats from France this year. Tragically, five people lost their lives attempting this crossing last week.
Despite legal challenges from human rights organizations and unions, following a declaration by the UK Supreme Court last year that the policy was unlawful, the government is pressing ahead.
Images released by Britain's interior ministry depict immigration enforcement officials detaining individuals, illustrating the swift implementation of the policy. "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," stated interior minister James Cleverly.
The charity Care4Calais reported that detentions began on Monday, and they have received calls from numerous individuals expressing fear and uncertainty about their future.
Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at charity Freedom from Torture, expressed concern that the fear of detention and deportation would force some individuals to go underground and disengage from their support systems.