The UK government has commenced the detainment of asylum seekers earmarked for deportation to Rwanda, marking a turning point in its immigration policy under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deter illegal Channel crossings, which have reached record numbers this year. The operation, named Vector, involved 800 officers detaining individuals across the country who are deemed not to have the right to remain in the UK.

Home Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed that these actions align with the government’s commitment to its Rwanda Partnership, aimed at curbing illegal migration by deporting certain migrants to Rwanda. The move has been met with both support and criticism. Critics, including Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council and the Scottish Government, have expressed concerns over the human rights implications and the distress caused to those detained.

Legal challenges are also mounting. The Civil Service union, FDA, is taking action against the government, arguing that the deportation plan could contravene international law and place civil servants in ethical dilemmas. Their concerns were heightened after the European Court of Human Rights previously halted a deportation flight over safety fears.

In Coventry, on Holmfield Road, several asylum seekers were detained in a Home Office raid, shocking local residents. These detainees, described by neighbours as low-profile and community-involved individuals, are now in immigration removal centres, awaiting the next steps in the deportation process.

The government’s stance has sparked widespread debate, with protests emerging across various UK locations. Critics argue for a fair and humane treatment of asylum seekers, while some supporters believe the measures are necessary to control illegal migration. Legal and civil responses to the government’s deportation plans suggest a complex battle ahead.