Reform would create ICE-style agency and end leave to remain, Zia Yusuf to say

The Guardian World

by Jessica Elgot

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Reform UK has unveiled ambitious plans to overhaul immigration enforcement and domestic security policies. The party proposes creating an agency modeled after the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), tasked with deporting up to 288,000 people annually through five daily flights. Additionally, Reform UK aims to abolish indefinite leave to remain (ILR), a status that provides long-term residency rights, while expanding stop-and-search powers and banning the conversion of churches into mosques. These measures, outlined by new home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf in a speech, reflect the party’s hardline stance on immigration and national security. Reform UK’s proposals also include a radical expansion of law enforcement capabilities, with increased resources allocated to border control and deportations. The party’s focus on deportations aligns with its broader goal of reducing migration, with a target of 288,000 people per year—an increase from current levels. This approach echoes similar strategies in countries like the U.S., where ICE plays a central role in immigration enforcement. However, critics argue that such measures could strain resources and lead to overcrowding in detention facilities. The party’s plans also extend to domestic security, with a proposed ban on converting places of worship into mosques, which it claims is aimed at addressing concerns about radicalization. Reform UK has also announced its intention to redraw the mandate of the Prevent deradicalization program, focusing solely on Islamist extremism while scaling back efforts to address other forms of extremism. This shift could further polarize communities and raise concerns about religious freedom and discrimination. Finally, the party’s policies are likely to spark significant debate over their impact on human rights and integration. Critics warn that the abolition of ILR and increased deportations could destabilize families and communities, particularly among minority groups already facing heightened scrutiny. The proposals also highlight the ongoing tension between national security concerns and the need for inclusive immigration policies in the UK

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/22/2026