Small boat migrants are constantly monitored as ‘potential threats’ in ‘security emergency’, ex-minister says
MANY small boat migrants are under constant monitoring by the security services as potential threats, the former immigration minister has revealed.
Robert Jenrick said the Channel crisis is a “national security emergency” because we “know little, if anything” about the tens of thousands of annual arrivals.
He said politicians had been too “squeamish” about tackling illegal immigration during a speech to an American think tank.
Speaking at the Heritage Foundation, he said: “Many mean us no harm, but a significant minority have criminal pasts. Or are intent on criminal futures.
“There’s already a well-evidenced connection between those arriving illegally and serious criminality, particularly the drug trade.
“There are also numerous individuals being monitored by our security services for fear that they’re extremists who mean to do serious harm.”
Mr Jenrick has been arguing for the French to put a row of buoys in the shallows to thwart small boats.
In 2022, 19 suspected terrorists were among the year’s small boat arrivals but last year’s figure is yet to be disclosed.
Mr Jenrick’s revelation will raise fresh pressure on Rishi Sunak to get his Rwanda plan up and running as soon as possible.
The former immigration minister – who resigned because he thought the scheme was too weak – visited the US southern border which has also been beset by illegal migration.
Last year The Sun revealed that hundreds of small boat arrivals were hardened criminals.
Our investigation found murderers, rapists and terrorists broke into Britain via the Channel crossing.