British authorities have started detaining migrants as part of preparations to relocate them to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks. The government announced on Wednesday (May. 1st), marking a significant step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.

Officers were seen entering homes and bringing out people in handcuffs, who were put in the back of secure vans in an undisclosed location.

According to the government, “operational teams within the Home Office have been working at pace to safely and swiftly detain individuals in scope for relocation to Rwanda, with more activity due to be carried out in the coming weeks”.

Reports from Care4Calais, a refugee charity, confirm that detentions commenced on Monday (Apr. 29), with numerous individuals reaching out to their helpline expressing concerns. Details regarding who will be selected for the initial deportation flight and its timing remain undisclosed.

Photographs shared by the UK’s interior ministry on Wednesday depict individuals being detained by immigration enforcement officials.

“Our dedicated enforcement teams are working diligently to promptly apprehend those without lawful status so that we can expedite the departure of flights,” remarked Interior Minister James Cleverly in a Wednesday statement.