By Micah Jonah, February 23, 2026
The Reform UK party has unveiled a “radical” plan to address what it calls an immigration “invasion” in United Kingdom. The proposals include creating a new Deportation Command capable of removing thousands of illegal migrants each year, and potentially withdrawing from human rights treaties if the party wins power.
Zia Yusuf, Reform’s policy chief on home affairs, described current migration levels as a “national security emergency.” He likened the new Deportation Command to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), promising it could deport up to 288,000 people annually while blocking judicial interventions.
The governing Labour Party responded, saying it has already deported nearly 60,000 people without legal right to remain since 2024 and accused Reform of trying to divide the country rather than govern responsibly.
Despite holding only eight seats in the 650-member parliament, Reform has gained traction in opinion polls, focusing on migration as a key voter concern. The plan also includes stopping benefits for foreign nationals and imposing visa bans on countries such as Pakistan, Somalia, Eritrea, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan if they refuse to repatriate illegal migrants.
Over 41,000 asylum seekers crossed the English Channel in 2025, the second highest on record, highlighting the urgency Reform cites for its proposed measures.
