Every Illegal Migrant in Britain Should Be Deported, But Here’s the Big Problem Holding It Back-Ben Habib
Ben Habib, a political commentator, estimates there are around 1.2 million illegal migrants in Britain and has called for their detention and deportation.
Speaking on GBN America, he said, “Everyone in the UK who is here illegally should be detained and, if possible, deported.” For those who cannot be deported, he suggested repatriation or incarceration, stating, “No one should enter the UK illegally and live here at our expense.”
A study by Leeds University and Edge Analytics, commissioned by Thames Water, revealed that London could have between 390,000 and 585,000 illegal migrants, with an estimated 1 million across the UK. The study found that many entered the country legally on work, study, or visitor visas but overstayed.
Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice called the situation “totally unacceptable,” emphasizing that illegal migrants likely use taxpayer-funded services.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the findings as “deeply alarming” and urged the Labour government to increase deportations. Reform UK chairman Zia Yusuf labeled it a “national security emergency.”
Alp Mehmet from Migration Watch warned that the growing number of illegal migrants puts pressure on housing, the NHS, and schools. However, calls for amnesty were dismissed by Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, who suggested placing migrants in remote camps instead.
In the past six months, the Home Office reported deporting 16,400 illegal migrants, the highest figure in five years. Meanwhile, Channel crossings continue to rise, with over 1,000 migrants arriving in small boats in the first three weeks of 2025.
Last year, 38,816 crossings were recorded, the second-highest total ever. The government says it is working to disrupt smuggling gangs and strengthen international partnerships to address the issue.
