The New IRA is plotting a violent campaign to expel migrants from Ireland, exploiting local tensions and recent crimes blamed on migrants.
The New IRA, a dissident republican group, is reportedly planning a violent campaign to force migrants out of Ireland. This alarming development comes in the wake of recent tensions and crimes that have fueled local anger and unrest.
The group, which advocates for a united Ireland, is capitalizing on community tensions over a rise in cases of harassment, sexual assault, and violence blamed on migrants.
This strategy has raised concerns about a potential new wave of migration into the UK, particularly through the land border with Northern Ireland.
The New IRA’s Violent Strategy
In a video posted on a far-right social media platform, an unidentified man issued threats on behalf of the IRA.
He warned that the group would take control and issue an ultimatum to migrants, giving them 24 hours to leave Ireland. The man claimed that the British Army had respected the IRA during the Troubles for their professionalism and efficiency, suggesting that the New IRA would demonstrate similar capabilities in their campaign.
The New IRA, formed in 2012 from a merger between the Real IRA and the vigilante group Republican Action Against Drugs, has been active in attacks against the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Their dual aims are Irish independence and the expulsion of all migrants from Ireland. This campaign is seen as part of a power struggle within the group, with the New IRA advocating for a campaign of violent intimidation.
Recent Incidents and Community Tensions
The New IRA’s plans come in the wake of the June 2026 disturbances in Northern Ireland following the stabbing of Stephen Ogilvie, allegedly by Hadi Alodid, a 30-year-old Sudanese asylum-seeker. These incidents have fueled local fury and tensions over the perceived impact of migration on housing, public services, and society.
In July 2026, a 25-year-old law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was charged with the possession of explosives after a bomb was discovered in a car in the Republic of Ireland. She was intercepted by Irish police during an operation targeting dissident republican activity. A defence solicitor told the court that Sullivan had been asked to take a bag to Northern Ireland without knowing its contents.
International Implications and Responses
The New IRA has formed alliances with Scottish nationalist groups in Glasgow, which promote the group through social media. This international dimension adds complexity to the situation and raises concerns about the potential spread of their violent campaign.
A Home Office spokesman stated that the UK has a close and collaborative working relationship with Ireland on migration and border security. This includes a mutual commitment to protect the Common Travel Area from abuse, delivered through joint work to identify and tackle migration trends as they emerge.
The New IRA’s violent campaign threatens to exacerbate existing tensions and could have significant implications for both Ireland and the UK. As the situation develops, it is crucial for authorities to address the underlying issues and work towards a peaceful resolution.
