More than 6,000 people have been arrested across the UK in the past year during a major crackdown on illegal migrant workers, the Home Office has revealed. Videos shared on Saturday show immigration enforcement teams raiding nail bars, restaurants, workshops, and caravan parks in cities like London and counties including Surrey.
Since July last year, the number of enforcement visits has significantly increased, leading to a 51% jump in arrests compared to the previous year. However, the Government did not say how many of these arrests resulted in charges, deportations, or legal convictions.
Between July 4, 2024, and May 31, 2025, London alone saw 2,126 operations, which led to 1,604 arrests—a 52% rise from the year before. These operations targeted sectors such as hospitality and construction, where employers were found bypassing legal hiring practices and underpaying workers without valid visas.
What does the Home Office say about these raids?
Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, stated: “For too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit migrants, with people allowed to arrive and work here illegally. This will no longer be tolerated on our watch.”
Under UK law, businesses must perform right-to-work checks on employees. If they fail, they can face fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. Many of the raids exposed employers who not only hired undocumented migrants but also avoided paying minimum wage, insurance, and other employment benefits.
One business was fined £180,000 after a raid revealed that staff were working more than 65 hours a week. Payslips also suggested excessive wage deductions, raising concerns of “modern slavery” from Westminster council officials.
Where did some of the arrests happen?
- Surrey Caravan Park (May 2025): Nine people were arrested following reports of migrants working illegally as gig economy delivery drivers.
- Enfield (March 21): Immigration officers arrested an Albanian man for illegal working in a workshop and detained him pending removal.
- Ilford (April 29): Raids on three restaurants and one home led to 11 arrests. Five were detained for removal, while six were released on strict immigration bail.
- Belfast (Titanic Quarter): A large raid at a construction site resulted in 36 arrests for violating visa conditions.
Why is this crackdown happening now?
The Government is aiming to fix what it calls a “broken” immigration and asylum system. Officials argue that many migrant workers are being forced into poor working conditions and low pay, often without any legal protection.
The Home Office said these illegal workers are sometimes subjected to long hours, cramped living spaces, and wages far below the legal minimum. Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime at Immigration Enforcement, praised the nationwide efforts: “Our work is not only about enforcing the law—it’s about protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.”
While the crackdown continues, calls for transparency remain strong, especially as the public awaits further data on convictions and deportation outcomes linked to the thousands of arrests made.