The UK Home Office conducted raids on various businesses such as takeaways, fast food delivery services, beauty salons, and car washes, resulting in the expulsion of hundreds of individuals.
According to the Home Office, there was a significant increase of 63% in illegal working arrests, leading to the removal of over 1,050 migrants, marking the largest crackdown in history. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that this enforcement action aims to deter illegal entry via small boats.
Ms. Mahmood emphasized that illegal working serves as an incentive for individuals trying to enter the country unlawfully, and vowed to arrest, detain, and deport those found working illegally in beauty salons, car washes, and as delivery drivers.
The Home Secretary affirmed her commitment to enhancing border security by any means necessary. The implementation of new laws now holds employers accountable, potentially facing up to five years of imprisonment for hiring illegal workers.
Recent government data revealed that more than 8,000 migrants were arrested following 11,000 Immigration Enforcement raids conducted between October of the previous year and September 2025.
In response to the statistics, Minister of State for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, acknowledged the progress made but stressed the need for further action by the government.
During an interview on Times Radio, Mr. Norris expressed satisfaction with the results of the raids, highlighting the significant deportation numbers resulting from the enforcement efforts.
When questioned about the ratio of deportations to arrests, Mr. Norris defended the outcomes as excellent, emphasizing the government’s intention to intensify enforcement measures and legislative actions to address illegal immigration.
The government’s commitment to combat unauthorized working was demonstrated through a £5 million investment in Operation Sterling, resulting in a 63% increase in arrests and a 51% rise in visits.
To prevent individuals from slipping through the cracks, rigorous right-to-work checks are being expanded, with severe penalties imposed on employers failing to conduct these checks, including potential imprisonment, hefty fines, and business closures.
Proposed changes aim to close loopholes by requiring all workers, including casual, temporary, and subcontracted individuals, to verify their eligibility to work in the UK, strengthening recruitment procedures and ensuring compliance with right-to-work regulations.
Delivery service companies such as Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats have also heightened their verification processes to combat illegal working activities within their platforms.
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