Home Secretary Unveils Enhanced Border Security Measures In a significant move, Home Secretary Suella Braverman has announced the launch of a new border security squad following the scrapping of the controversial Rwanda asylum plan. This move is part of the government’s commitment to tackling illegal migration and ensuring the security of the United Kingdom’s borders. The new Border Security Squad (BSS) will comprise 200 specialized officers focused on preventing illegal entry and detecting and disrupting organized crime at the border. The squad will be equipped with enhanced surveillance technology, including drones and thermal imaging cameras, to enhance their detection capabilities. “Our borders are our first line of defense against those who seek to harm our country,” said Home Secretary Braverman. “This new squad will provide a dedicated and highly skilled force to protect the integrity of our immigration system and safeguard the safety of our communities.” The BSS will work closely with Border Force, the National Crime Agency, and other law enforcement partners to combat illegal activities at the border, including human trafficking, smuggling, and the movement of illicit goods. The squad will also provide support to Border Force officers on the front line of border control. The announcement comes after the government’s decision to end the Rwanda asylum plan, which was met with criticism from human rights groups and legal challenges. The Home Secretary emphasized that the government remains committed to finding alternative solutions to manage asylum claims while deterring illegal migration. “We are determined to develop a fair and humane asylum system that provides protection to those who genuinely need it, while preventing abuse and deterring illegal entry,” said Braverman. “The Border Security Squad is a key part of our efforts to achieve this balance.” The launch of the BSS is expected to enhance border security and improve the UK’s ability to respond effectively to evolving threats. The squad will work alongside other measures, such as increased funding for Border Force and stricter penalties for illegal entry, to ensure the UK’s borders remain secure.Yvette Cooper Launches New Border Security CommandYvette Cooper Launches New Border Security Command Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has established a new Border Security Command to combat the issue of small boat crossings and organized immigration crime. The command aims to bring together expertise from various agencies, including the National Crime Agency, intelligence services, police, and Border Force. Rwanda Policy Scrapped Labour has abandoned the previous government’s Rwanda deportation scheme, which was deemed ineffective as a deterrent and characterized as a “gimmick” by Cooper. The policy faced legal challenges and low success rates. Probe into Smuggling Tactics Cooper has ordered an investigation into the latest methods employed by people smugglers to facilitate small boat crossings. The inquiry aims to inform new counter-terrorism-style powers to disrupt gangs responsible for trafficking. Command Still Lacking a Leader Despite the announcement, the Border Security Command is currently without a leader. Recruitment efforts will begin on Monday, with the hope of appointing a highly experienced individual from policing, intelligence, or the military within weeks. Experts and Investigators Deployed Additional investigators, experts, and analysts will focus on organized immigration crime starting on Monday. Many will be based in Europe to collaborate with Europol and European law enforcement agencies to disrupt gang activities. European Cooperation Cooper plans to meet with European ministers and the director general of Europol next week to enhance security cooperation and tackle the issue of small boat crossings on a broader level.The government has launched a new border security squad to tackle illegal immigration, after scrapping Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda plan. The new squad, known as the Border Enforcement Command, will be made up of 500 officers from the National Crime Agency and Border Force. It will be tasked with intercepting small boats crossing the Channel, and carrying out raids on suspected people smugglers. The Home Secretary said the new squad was needed to “clamp down on illegal immigration”. “The Rwanda plan was not working,” she said. “It was too expensive and it was not deterring people from making dangerous journeys across the Channel.” “This new squad will be more effective at stopping illegal immigration and protecting our borders.” The Border Enforcement Command will be based in Dover, Kent. It will be operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The government has also announced a new £50 million fund to support the work of the Border Enforcement Command. The fund will be used to purchase new equipment, such as boats and drones, and to train new officers. The Home Secretary said the government was “committed to tackling illegal immigration”. “This new squad will help us to do that,” she said.