The UK Government on Tuesday claimed its enforcement action against illegally working migrants is at the “highest level in British history”, with a record number of raids and arrests since the Labour Party came to power in July 2024.
Official figures released by the Home Office claim the number of raids on illegal workers soared by 77 per cent, leading to an 83 per cent rise in arrests from that period until December last year. Over 17,400 raids were carried out on what were dubbed as “dodgy businesses”, such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops.
“There is no place for illegals working in our communities,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. “That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide. I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders,” the South Asian heritage minister said. The large number of raids are said to have led to more than 12,300 arrests, made possible by a 5 million pounds funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement.