The Metropolitan Police has drawn up a new policy to continue sharing data on crime victims, including those of domestic and sexual violence, with the Home Office's immigration enforcement arm. This move follows a previous legal challenge that forced the force to abandon the practice earlier this year, but the revised guidance is nearly identical to the withdrawn policy.
The policy is now subject to fresh legal action by Southall Black Sisters and a domestic abuse victim represented by Liberty. They argue that sharing information about victims suspected of being in the UK illegally undermines crime-fighting and public safety, as individuals may remain in abusive situations for fear of deportation.
One victim, referred to as Aisha, said her husband threatened to kill her but she never reported him due to fear of being reported to the Home Office. She entered the UK legally but is now deemed an 'overstay' due to her husband's abuse. 'I worry that he might just kill me as he has threatened to do. If I was not worried about the Home Office being told about me, I would contact the police,' she said.
The Met's new policy, finalised on 11 August and launched on 14 August, states that when a victim or witness is suspected of being an illegal immigrant, it is 'wholly appropriate' for officers to contact immigration enforcement. Liberty lawyer Debaleena Dasgupta said: 'The Met is failing to protect victims of crime. Unless a data-sharing policy ensures all victims can seek police protection without fear of immigration enforcement, it risks being unlawful.'
Pragna Patel, director of Southall Black Sisters, said she has worked with 'countless' women who fear reporting abuse due to immigration concerns. 'It's time for the Met to decide who it serves – it can't serve both the public and the Home Office at the same time,' she added. A super-complaint into such data sharing is being investigated by police watchdogs, which could lead to recommendations for policy changes.
