Reform Party defector Suella Braverman has received financial support from a think tank that endorses the US immigration agency linked to a fatal shooting incident.
Braverman, a former Home Secretary, recently made headlines by joining Nigel Farage’s party. It has come to light that she was sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, a supporter of the controversial ICE, following a tragic incident involving a mother’s death. The deaths of a renowned poet and an ICU nurse at the hands of another US agency have provoked widespread outrage. President Donald Trump, in a statement on Tuesday, expressed intentions to ease tensions in Minnesota, denouncing the recent violent events.
On a related note, Tom Homan, Trump’s border chief, revealed plans by federal immigration officials to reduce agent numbers in Minnesota, pending cooperation from state authorities. This development comes after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. The Heritage Foundation, in response to the incident, highlighted issues with leftists impeding ICE operations and criticized officials inciting lawlessness.
Critics, including Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper and a Labour source, have condemned Braverman for accepting a trip valued at over £9,000 from a US think tank known for advocating extreme positions contrary to mainstream British opinions. Joe Mulhall from Hope Not Hate remarked on Braverman’s alignment with the Heritage Foundation’s ideologies, citing her controversial statements on immigration and her transition to Reform UK, a party advocating stringent deportation measures akin to ICE.
Braverman, who represents Fareham and Waterlooville in Hampshire, disclosed receiving flights, accommodation, and transfers worth £9,358.71 from The Heritage Foundation in her register of interests. During her visit, she delivered a speech echoing Trump’s sentiments on immigration and promoting a vision of a stronger Britain. She praised The Heritage Foundation as a leading advocate of freedom and prosperity, criticizing the UK government’s stance on freedom and economic growth.
The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank, has been actively involved in shaping public policies in line with free enterprise and traditional American values. It has supported initiatives such as Project 2025, which aimed to bolster ICE operations and enforcement capabilities. Homeland Security reported a significant increase in ICE officer recruitment, exceeding initial targets and emphasizing the importance of law enforcement support.
The Foundation has been vocal on social media, advocating for law enforcement rights and condemning obstruction of justice. It has also expressed support for Trump’s immigration policies and emphasized the need to maintain order and enforce immigration laws. Additionally, The Heritage Foundation has been involved in legal actions, including efforts to unseal documents related to Prince Harry’s US visa application.
Notably, Liz Truss, a former Tory PM, delivered a speech at The Heritage Foundation in 2024, underscoring the think tank’s influence on political discourse. Braverman, Reform UK, and The Heritage Foundation have been approached for comments on these developments.