Reform UK, under the leadership of home affairs chief Zia Yusuf, has launched a set of immigration policies reminiscent of Donald Trump’s ICE agency. In a major speech delivered in Dover, Yusuf outlined plans to detain tens of thousands of migrants, asserting that the proposed ICE-like agency could hold over 20,000 individuals simultaneously. This aggressive stance towards immigration is intended to appeal to right-wing voters ahead of the next election, stirring significant debate on the implications for legal migrants and the moral fabric of UK immigration policy.

Additionally, Yusuf announced intentions to eliminate Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) status for many migrants, igniting criticism from across the political spectrum who argue that these policies present an un-British approach to handling migration. He also suggested freezing visas for six specific countries, a move that would drastically alter the landscape for many individuals currently living and working in the UK. Critics have expressed concerns that such policies may propagate misinformation regarding the scale of immigration and deter diversity that has become integral to British society.

The unveiling of these radical proposals raises questions about the future of immigration in the UK, particularly if Reform UK gains significant influence in upcoming elections. The public and political response could shape the national debate on immigration, security, and human rights, while fostering divisions within the electorate over the appropriateness of such drastic measures in a modern, multicultural Britain.