The United Kingdom has intensified its crackdown on undocumented migration, with authorities arresting 609 individuals in January for working illegally—marking a 73% increase from the same period in 2024.
According to a government statement, the arrests were made during over 800 inspections of workplaces such as nail bars, restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores.
The operation aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s promise to curb illegal migration by dismantling people-smuggling networks. Starmer, who scrapped his predecessor Rishi Sunak’s plan to deport undocumented migrants to Rwanda, has instead strengthened border enforcement and introduced new legislation to target criminal gangs profiting from illegal migration.
Tougher Measures and Increased Enforcement
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that for too long, some employers had been exploiting undocumented migrants, while many had been working illegally without fear of enforcement.
“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,” Cooper said.
The issue of irregular migration has been a political flashpoint in the UK, especially after record numbers of migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats last year. Provisional figures from the Interior Ministry indicate that 36,816 migrants arrived via the Channel in 2024—a 25% increase from 2023.
Political Pressure and Rising Migration Figures
The Starmer-led Labour government is facing mounting pressure to reduce both legal and undocumented migration, particularly with the growing influence of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, which secured around four million votes in the July 2024 election.
To tackle the issue, the UK has established a new Border Security Command and strengthened partnerships with Europol, Germany, Iraq, France, and Albania to disrupt smuggling operations. Officials have also reported an increase in the deportation of irregular migrants—the highest level since 2017.
The government’s Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which aims to give law enforcement counter-terror-style powers to break up smuggling gangs, is set for its second reading in Parliament on Monday.
