UK immigration enforcement teams made a significant impact in January, arresting 609 individuals in connection with illegal immigration and people smuggling.
This marks a 73% increase from the same period in 2024, when 352 arrests were made. The operations were carried out during visits to over 800 premises, including nail bars, restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores.
The crackdown comes as part of the Labour government’s new strategy to address undocumented migration and dismantle people-smuggling gangs. Since taking office last year, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has prioritized tackling illegal migration by focusing on dismantling criminal organizations instead of continuing the controversial plan proposed by his Conservative predecessor, Rishi Sunak, to deport migrants to Rwanda.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening enforcement actions, stating that for too long, employers have exploited illegal migrants without consequence. “We are boosting enforcement to record levels alongside tough new legislation to smash the criminal gangs that undermine our border security and who have been getting away with it for far too long,” she said.
The issue of undocumented migration, especially through small boats crossing the English Channel from northern France, was a major concern during last year’s general election. Starmer’s Labour Party won the election with a promise to address this issue and reduce both legal and illegal migration, which has seen historically high levels. Provisional figures from the interior ministry show that 36,816 people were detected crossing the Channel in 2024, marking a 25% increase from the previous year.
To support these efforts, Starmer has established a new Border Security Command and strengthened partnerships with European countries, including joint action plans with Germany and Iraq to combat smuggling gangs. The UK government has also focused on increasing the return of irregular migrants to their countries of origin, achieving the highest return rate since 2017.
The government’s proposed Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which aims to grant law enforcement “counter-terror style powers” to dismantle people smuggling operations, is set for its second reading in parliament on Monday.
With these new measures, the Labour government is working to tackle illegal migration, reduce reliance on dangerous crossings, and curb the influence of smuggling gangs, in response to growing public concern and the rise of far-right political movements.
