Over 600 Arrested for Illegal Work in UK as Labour Cracks Down on Migration

LONDON – UK immigration enforcement teams made over 600 arrests in January, marking a 73% increase compared to the same period last year. The crackdown is part of Labour’s strategy to tackle undocumented migration and dismantle people-smuggling gangs, officials said on Monday.

According to a government statement, 609 arrests were made during visits to over 800 establishments, including nail bars, restaurants, car washes, and convenience stores. This is a significant jump from the 352 arrests recorded in January 2024.

Labour’s Migration Strategy

Upon taking office, Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the Conservative government’s controversial Rwanda deportation plan. Instead, he committed to dismantling smuggling networks to reduce illegal migration.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that businesses had long exploited undocumented migrants without facing enforcement action. “We are ramping up enforcement to record levels and introducing tough new legislation to crack down on the criminal gangs undermining our border security,” she said.

Undocumented Migration Remains a Key Issue

The surge in undocumented migrants crossing the English Channel from France to the UK was a focal point in last year’s general election, which brought Labour to power. Official figures indicate that 36,816 people were detected crossing the Channel in 2024, a 25% rise from 2023.

Regular migration also remains a pressing issue, with estimated net migration reaching 728,000 for the year leading up to June 2024. Starmer faces mounting pressure to curb both legal and undocumented migration amid growing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party.

New Measures to Secure UK Borders

To combat illegal migration, the government has established a new Border Security Command and strengthened cooperation with European agencies, including Europol. Britain has also signed joint action plans with Germany and Iraq to target smuggling networks.

UK has increased the return of irregular migrants to their home countries, reaching the highest level since 2017. The proposed Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill will grant law enforcement officials enhanced powers to disrupt trafficking gangs. The bill is set for its second reading in parliament on Monday.