UK migrants face inhumane treatment in failed Rwanda plan
- Operation Vector led to the detention of migrants under the Rwanda plan, with reports of force used 60 times between April 30 and May 15, 2023.
- Testimonies from Home Office staff reveal distressing incidents, including physical restraint and pain-inducing techniques on vulnerable detainees.
- Critics argue the operation was politically motivated, and the new Labour government's plans for increased deportations may further harm migrants.
The treatment of migrants detained under the now-abandoned Rwanda plan has been described as inhumane, with reports detailing the use of force by Home Office staff during Operation Vector. This operation, initiated shortly before the local elections in May 2023, involved the detention of migrants who were to be removed to Rwanda. Testimonies reveal that officers used force 60 times in a span of just over two weeks, often on individuals in distress. Incidents included physical restraint and the use of pain-inducing techniques on vulnerable detainees. The operation continued even after the Rwanda scheme was postponed, raising concerns about the legality of detaining around 150 migrants. Critics argue that the initiative was politically motivated, aimed at creating a spectacle ahead of the elections. The Home Office has faced scrutiny for its handling of these detentions, with potential legal actions looming from charities claiming unlawful practices. As the new Labour government plans to increase deportations, fears have emerged regarding the potential for further harm to migrants. Campaigners warn that the proposed policies could exacerbate the already dire situation for many individuals seeking asylum. The refugee charity Care4Calais has expressed concerns that these plans will lead to increased despair among migrants. The anxiety caused by the Rwanda plan and the subsequent treatment of detainees is expected to have lasting effects on those involved. The use of force, described as a last resort by the detention custody officers, raises ethical questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals in the immigration system.