In a move reminiscent of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies, the United Kingdom's Labour government has launched a series of mass raids targeting illegal workers across the country. Dubbed a "UK-wide blitz," the crackdown has focused on Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes employing undocumented migrant workers.
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is personally overseeing the initiative. According to the Home Office, January witnessed a record-breaking number of enforcement actions, with raids conducted at 828 locations—a 48% increase from the previous January. Arrests surged by 73%, reaching 609.
While Home Office teams respond to illegal working intelligence across various sectors, Cooper’s office confirmed that a significant proportion of last month’s operations focused on restaurants, takeaways, and cafes, as well as the food, drink, and tobacco industries. One raid on an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, resulted in seven arrests and four detentions.
“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For too long, employers have exploited illegal migrants, and many have been able to work illegally without any action being taken,” Cooper stated. “This creates a dangerous incentive for people to risk their lives crossing the Channel in small boats, resulting in abuse of vulnerable individuals, the immigration system, and our economy,” she added.
A “Show, Not Tell” Strategy
With the rapid rise of Reform UK in the polls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure to demonstrate a tough stance on illegal immigration. His government has adopted a “show, not tell” strategy, using bespoke charter flights to deport undocumented immigrants to various countries. Four of these flights are among the largest deportation operations in UK history, collectively removing over 800 individuals.
In a bid to highlight its efforts, the government has released footage of deportation processes for the first time. The videos show men being escorted by Border Force staff onto charter jets, with some detainees shackled for security. The Home Office stated that those deported include criminals convicted of serious offenses such as drug trafficking, theft, rape, and murder.
“We’re also working proactively to deter illegal entry into the UK,” the Home Office said. “A new international campaign has been launched to expose the lies of people smugglers. Social media adverts went live in Vietnam in December and in Albania in January, sharing real stories of migrants who entered the UK illegally, only to face exploitation, debt, and harsh realities far from what they were promised.”
Immigration Crackdown Intensifies
According to Home Office statistics, between July 5, 2024, and January 31, 2025, raids on illegal workers and related arrests increased by 38% compared to the same period the previous year. During this period, 1,090 civil penalty notices were issued to employers. Businesses found employing undocumented workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
“These figures highlight the dedication of my teams in cracking down on those who think they can flout our immigration system,” said Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime at the Home Office. “There is no hiding place from the law. We will continue to ramp up activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences. Many illegal workers also suffer extremely poor working conditions, and we remain committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable.”
The crackdown also plays a critical role in safeguarding labor rights. Immigration Enforcement is collaborating with various organizations to help employees report cases of exploitation.
In January, the Home Office claimed it had exceeded its target for removing foreign criminals and illegal migrants, with 16,400 deportations since the Labour government took office in July 2024—the highest figure since 2018.
Border Security Bill Sparks Debate
The crackdown coincides with the Labour government’s Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which is set for its second reading in Parliament this week. The bill aims to dismantle organized crime networks involved in human smuggling and strengthen border security.
The proposed legislation will grant law enforcement additional powers, such as seizing mobile phones from individuals arriving in the UK illegally before they are formally arrested.
The Opposition Conservative Party, however, has criticized the bill, calling it a “weak measure that won’t stop the boats” and advocating for stricter reforms, including limitations on migrants' access to permanent residency.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp commented, “Under new leadership, the Conservative Party is proposing effective and deliverable reforms to reduce immigration. Our country is our home, not a hotel.”
