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Danny Tommo, a former bodyguard of far-right activist Tommy Robinson, has led two major anti-migrant protests in Portsmouth and Dover over the weekend, drawing condemnation from officials and political figures. In a live stream from Eastney Beach, Tommo, also known as Daniel Thomas, rallied hundreds of supporters to block roads and prevent the transport of 140 migrants to a processing center in Kent. The protests followed a small boat crossing from Normandy, marking what is believed to be the longest Channel journey by human traffickers. The first protest occurred in Dover on Saturday, where around 300 masked demonstrators blocked the A20 road, causing delays and road closures. Tommo, who describes himself on social media as a “devoted Christian, proud dad and entrepreneur,” was present and encouraged his supporters to continue the fight against what he calls the “invasion.” Similar tactics were employed in Portsmouth on Sunday, where thousands of protesters, many dressed in black and wearing balaclavas, blocked roads and attempted to prevent the transfer of asylum seekers to Manston Immigration Centre. Tommo, who has a history of legal troubles including a two-year jail term for attempted kidnapping, has risen to prominence within the far-right movement. He was initially known as Tommy Robinson’s bodyguard before becoming a key figure in the Patriot Platform, a group he co-founded. The organization, which he describes as a disciplined force dedicated to protecting British women and children, has drawn criticism for its association with violent criminals and its aggressive tactics. The protests in Dover and Portsmouth were organized in coordination with Tommo’s network, which includes members of the Patriot Platform. Despite claims by police that the actions were spontaneous, evidence suggests otherwise. Local MPs and officials, including Labour’s Mike Tapp, have raised concerns about the lack of prior warning and the potential threat posed by such coordinated demonstrations. The government has condemned the behavior of the protesters, describing it as “thuggish and intimidating.” Treasury Chief Secretary Emma Reynolds emphasized that while peaceful protest is protected, it must not cross into disorder. She praised the efforts of emergency services in managing the situation and ensuring the safe processing of the migrants. The small boat that arrived in Portsmouth is believed to have traveled from the Bay of the Seine, indicating a shift in smuggling routes. French authorities noted the unusual nature of the departure, as such crossings typically originate from areas closer to Dunkirk. The vessel, which carried 140 people, was monitored for ten hours before being intercepted by British coastguards, who then facilitated the safe disembarkation of the migrants. Hampshire Police issued a dispersal order, urging people to avoid the area and threatening arrests for non-compliance. Videos captured the intense confrontation between protesters and police, with some officers reportedly being pushed and others using water cannons to disperse the crowd. Despite the chaos, no arrests were made, and the protests eventually subsided by early Monday. The events have sparked broader discussions about the evolving tactics of people traffickers and the effectiveness of current measures to combat illegal migration. Officials like Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, have expressed concerns that Portsmouth might become a preferred destination for smugglers due to the lack of infrastructure in Dover. Meanwhile, organizations like Hope Not Hate have criticized the government for failing to address the underlying causes of such protests and for not adequately countering far-right influence. As the situation continues to unfold, the government and law enforcement agencies are under increasing pressure to develop strategies that balance the protection of national security with the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly. The actions of Tommo and his associates highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing the complex dynamics of migration and extremism in contemporary society.