Taking a cue from former US President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration, the UK government has launched a widespread crackdown on illegal migrants, targeting businesses such as Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes that employ undocumented workers.
Mass Deportations and Increased Raids
The UK Home Office released a video showing illegal migrants being escorted off a bus and boarding a deportation flight. According to official figures, nearly 19,000 people, including failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and immigration offenders, have been deported since the Labour Party took office in July last year.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper revealed that January 2025 saw record-breaking immigration enforcement activity, with officials conducting 828 raids and making 609 arrests—a 48% increase in raids and a 73% rise in arrests compared to the same period last year.
Targeting Illegal Employment
A recent raid on an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to the arrest of seven individuals, while four others were detained. The Home Office emphasized that while illegal employment is widespread across sectors, a significant number of cases involve restaurants, takeaways, cafes, and the food and tobacco industry.
“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced,” Cooper stated. “For too long, employers have been able to hire and exploit illegal migrants, which not only fuels human trafficking but also undermines the economy.”
The UK government noted that crackdowns on illegal migrants increased by 38% between July 2024 and January 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Deportations have also hit their highest level since 2018, with the four largest chartered deportation flights in UK history removing a total of 850 people.
Employers found hiring illegal workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, with 1,090 civil penalty notices issued during the same period.
Strong Message Against Illegal Migration
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime at the Home Office, emphasized the government's unwavering stance on illegal migration: “These figures highlight our commitment to tackling immigration offenses. There is no hiding place from the law.”
He also noted that many illegal workers endure poor and exploitative working conditions, reinforcing the need for strict enforcement measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
Upcoming Immigration Bill in UK Parliament
The crackdown comes as the Labour government prepares to introduce the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill for its second reading in Parliament this week. The proposed legislation seeks to grant law enforcement expanded powers to combat organized crime networks facilitating illegal immigration, including the authority to seize mobile phones from migrants upon arrival.
The Opposition Conservative Party has criticized the bill as "too weak" and is calling for harsher restrictions on permanent residency eligibility for all migrants. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated, “Under the new leadership of Kemi Badenoch, the Conservatives are proposing firm, effective immigration reforms. Our country is our home, not a hotel.”
Conclusion
With immigration enforcement at an all-time high, the UK government’s aggressive stance underscores its determination to curb illegal migration and strengthen border security. As the Border Security Bill is set to be debated in Parliament, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the future of UK immigration policy.