LONDON: Protesters in London tried on Thursday to prevent the removal of migrants from their temporary accommodation, as the UK government began detaining people ahead of controversial deportation flights to Rwanda start.
The scene unfolded as dozens of demonstrators encircled a bus reportedly transporting asylum seekers from a hotel in Peckham to a temporary accommodation barge off the south coast of England. Similar protests have been staged across the country, with activists aiming to thwart immigration officers from detaining migrants.
The UK Home Office confirmed this week that it has started detaining asylum seekers in preparation for deportation to Rwanda, following the enactment of legislation designating Rwanda as a safe country for returns. Images and footage released by the ministry depicted migrants being escorted away in handcuffs by immigration officials, although the exact number of persons detained remains undisclosed. The government anticipates deporting 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year.
These developments coincide with a surge in Channel crossings, as official figures released on Thursday revealed that 711 persons were rescued after attempting the perilous journey from northern France – the highest single-day total in 2024 thus far. Despite claims by London of the efficacy of its “stop the boats” strategy, the influx continues, with 8,278 migrants having made the Channel crossing since the beginning of the year, marking a significant increase from the same period in 2023.
The escalating migrant crisis underscores the complexities of border management post-Brexit, with the Conservative government under pressure to deliver on its promise of tightening immigration controls. However, the challenges persist, as evidenced by ongoing arrivals and the need for controversial deportation measures.
Meanwhile, French authorities announced the rescue of 66 persons after their boat encountered difficulties near Dieppe, underscoring the transnational nature of the migration issue. In the UK, law enforcement has made arrests in connection with the deaths of five persons whose boat faced trouble off the French coast on April 23.
