Britain must reject plans for an ‘ICE-style’ deportation agency

This island has long been a place of sanctuary. Don’t we just know that as British Jews: in the 19th and 20th centuries, it was often our ancestors who sought protection here? Yes, Britain’s record was far from perfect, and many were shamefully turned away. Yet it is largely because of the safety provided to many fleeing Tsarist Russia, and later, Nazi Germany, that we are flourishing here today. 

But a new policy proposal would turn this country into one where vulnerable minorities and refugees hide, not thrive. Over the past year, you will have no doubt seen the frightening consequences of ICE raids across the United States. Against that backdrop, it’s incredibly concerning – and dare I suggest, almost inconceivable – that a UK political party, Reform, is proposing the introduction of a similar deportation agency here.

Let us be clear about what this would mean in practice. People were left terrified to go to work. Children unable to go to school. Neighbours scapegoated and too scared to walk the streets.

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Don’t just take my word for it either. Our partner organisation, HIAS, is already witnessing these impacts every day through the refugees and immigrants they serve. Their experience should be a warning to us all: when we allow our immigration policy to be led by fear, not compassion or fairness, the human consequences can be catastrophic.

With that, we have a responsibility to speak out, to act, and to demand better than an environment driven by hate.

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Our own community understands this danger – Britain remains an overwhelmingly good place to be Jewish, but antisemitism has risen alarmingly in recent years. This is, of course, incredibly worrying. But we can never allow our own fears to be instrumentalised or narratives of division to become normalised.

We must remember too that we are not alone in this. Sadly, we have also seen a distressing increase in Islamophobia, both in polarising public rhetoric and in disturbing events like the recent incident at Manchester Central Mosque. As British Jews, we must continue to stand alongside others, creating a society which is safe for all.

Amidst this, the festival of Purim feels particularly resonant, as we recount how Haman sought to turn a population against the Jewish people. Reading the Book of Esther reminds us of how quickly suspicion can be sown: when we hear how Haman labels our customs as different from everyone else’s and labels us as a threat, we see how easily conspiracy can spread and result in dehumanisation.

Today, this doesn’t just lie at the door of one political party. Yes, we can see where the most alarming rhetoric and proposals are coming from, but we need the government to step up also and make the case for welcome.

Too much of the policy we have seen lately – from the restrictions on refugee citizenship to the introduction of temporary refugee status and lengthened, uncertain routes to settlement – is creating a feeling of division and a sense of othering. Where ICE visibly and forcefully tears families apart, the UK’s own suspension of refugee family reunion risks inflicting quieter but lasting harm, denying children the opportunity to be with their loved ones. We perhaps know more than most the pain of having to leave family behind in grave danger.

Ultimately, this is about what sort of country we want to be. Is it one where today’s young refugees can prosper and rebuild as new Brits – just as we did before? Or is it one where they live in permanent insecurity, never permitted to feel that they truly belong in what should be a country of sanctuary?

It is clear where the path leads if we do not return compassion to politics. Yet, there are reasons for hope amidst the gloom. Every day, our own community is putting Jewish values into action, from our drop-in centres to our many incredible Jewish volunteers. There is no doubting the gravity of this situation and moment. But together, led by our own history and tradition, we can build the better Britain we know is possible.

• Rabbi David Mason is the Executive Director of HIAS+JCORE