Reform UK’s ICE-style deportation plan condemned as ‘sadistic’

The Guardian - World NewsEN 3 min read 100% complete by Rajeev Syal and Peter WalkerFebruary 23, 2026 at 04:24 PM

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

Reform UK unveiled plans to drastically overhaul immigration policy, including the creation of a UK Deportation Command modeled after ICE, intended to deport up to 288,000 people annually. Home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf presented the plan in Dover, outlining measures such as mass deportations, expanded surveillance powers, and a ban on converting churches into mosques. The party also proposes replacing indefinite leave to remain with renewable five-year work visas and implementing automatic home searches for individuals flagged by the Prevent program. Yusuf stated the party would not be deterred by potential public backlash, arguing that UK policing methods would prevent US-style confrontations. The proposal has been criticized as "sadistic" due to the scale of deportations and expanded surveillance.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Sean Smith 30% Gregory Bovino 40% Nigel Farage 40% Minneapolis ×250% United States ×460% United Kingdom ×370% UK Deportation Command ×270% ICE 70% Zia Yusuf ×680% Reform UK ×590%

Keywords

deportation 100% reform uk 80% immigration 80% mass deportations 70% uk deportation command 70% ice-style 60% zia yusuf 60% home affairs 50% surveillance powers 50% detention 40%