Several police officers sustained injuries and vehicles were damaged in Portsmouth on Sunday night during an anti-migrant protest sparked by the arrival of approximately 120 migrants. The disorder followed a demonstration by a large group of masked individuals at the Port of Dover the previous day, which caused significant disruption.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones addressed the House of Commons, describing the events in Portsmouth as "intimidating and thuggish." She emphasized that while peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, those who engage in illegal activities would face the full extent of the law.

Around 200 people, some masked, confronted police in riot gear at the Eastney Landing ferry port area where the migrants were brought ashore. Police protected coaches that were parked on a road leading away from Eastney Marina as protesters blocked traffic. A dispersal order was implemented, allowing for potential arrests of individuals who did not comply with police directions.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary reported that a few officers received treatment for injuries at the scene, none of which were serious. The force has launched an investigation to identify those responsible for assaults on officers, criminal damage to vehicles, and other offenses, though no arrests have been made as of Monday evening.

Spencer Wragg, chair of the Hampshire Police Federation, expressed concern after viewing footage of officers being pushed off motorbikes and damaged police vehicles, stating that the police appeared to have become targets. Daniel Thomas, also known as Danny Tommo, who is associated with far-right activist Tommy Robinson, was reportedly livestreaming from the scene and encouraging supporters to gather and prevent the migrants from being transported.

Portsmouth City Council's leader, Steve Pitt, stated that the Home Office had "serious questions to answer" regarding the decision to bring the migrants to the area, calling the move "needless disruption." The coaches transporting the migrants eventually departed in the early hours of Monday, with Border Force confirming that individuals from the boat were moved to locations outside of Hampshire for processing.

Footage circulating online appeared to show protesters pursuing the convoy of coaches along a motorway after their departure. Protesters claimed their actions were aimed at preventing authorities from transporting the migrants to the Manston processing center in Kent.

In her statement to the House of Commons, Policing Minister Sarah Jones reiterated the importance of defending peaceful protest while also upholding the right of citizens to go about their daily lives without undue interference. She made it clear that threatening behavior and serious disruption would not be excused.