Many small boat migrants crossing the English Channel are being closely monitored by security services due to potential security threats, according to former immigration minister Robert Jenrick. Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, Jenrick described the Channel crisis as a "national security emergency," emphasizing that little is known about the tens of thousands of annual arrivals. While acknowledging that many migrants have no harmful intentions, he highlighted the well-established connection between illegal arrivals and serious criminality, particularly in the drug trade. In addition, he revealed that security services are monitoring numerous individuals who may be extremists seeking to cause harm.
Pressure Mounts for Action: Jenrick Calls for Buoys to Thwart Small Boats
Jenrick has been advocating for the French authorities to place a row of buoys in the shallows to deter small boats attempting to make the crossing. The revelation about the monitoring of small boat migrants raises fresh pressure on Chancellor Rishi Sunak to expedite the implementation of his Rwanda plan, which aims to address the Channel crisis. In 2022 alone, 19 suspected terrorists were among the small boat arrivals, although figures for the previous year have not yet been disclosed.
Parallel Challenges: Jenrick Visits US Southern Border
Jenrick, who resigned as immigration minister due to concerns about the perceived weakness of the Rwanda scheme, recently visited the US southern border, which has also faced significant issues with illegal migration. Last year, a HOAR investigation revealed that a significant number of small boat arrivals were hardened criminals, including murderers, rapists, and terrorists.
