UK Deportations: In a move reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies, the United Kingdom’s Labour government has launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal working across the country. Dubbed a “UK-wide blitz,” the operation has targeted Indian restaurants, nail bars, convenience stores, and car washes employing undocumented migrant workers.
Home Office Reports Record-Breaking Crackdown
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has personally overseen the campaign, which led to a record-breaking January for the Home Office. Officials raided 828 premises—a 48 percent increase from the previous January—resulting in 609 arrests, marking a 73 percent year-on-year surge.
BREAKING: The Government has released a video showing the deportation of migrants for the first time as it marks the removal of nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and illegal migrants since Labour took office pic.twitter.com/njCU8CVu02
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Cooper’s office emphasized that while enforcement teams respond to intelligence in all sectors, a significant proportion of last month’s activity was concentrated in restaurants, takeaways, and cafes, as well as the food, drink, and tobacco industries. A single raid on an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, led to seven arrests and four detentions.
“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants, and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken,” Cooper stated.
“Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy.”
Deportation Flights and Government’s ‘Show, Not Tell’ Strategy
Under mounting pressure from the rising Reform UK party in the polls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is doubling down on his government’s stance against illegal immigration. The administration has deployed bespoke charter flights to deport immigration offenders, marking the removal of nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and illegal migrants since Labour took office.
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In a dramatic ‘show, not tell’ strategy, the government has released footage of deportation operations. One video depicts deportees being escorted by multiple Border Force officers, with some having their hands shackled as they board a charter jet. Among those removed are individuals convicted of serious crimes, including drug offences, theft, rape, and murder.
The Home Office also launched an international campaign to deter illegal migration. Social media adverts targeting potential migrants in Vietnam and Albania highlight real stories of individuals who were misled by smugglers, only to face debt, exploitation, and a bleak reality in the UK.
Labour’s Immigration Crackdown: Key Statistics
According to Home Office figures, between July 5, 2024, and January 31, 2025, illegal working crackdowns and arrests surged by 38 percent compared to the same period the previous year. Employers found guilty of hiring illegal workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker, with 1,090 civil penalty notices issued so far.
“These figures demonstrate the commitment of my teams to crack down on those who think they can flout our immigration system,” said Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime at the Home Office.
“I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences. We also know that many people who end up working illegally are often subjected to extremely poor conditions, so we will continue to do all we can to safeguard and protect the most vulnerable.”
Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill Returns to Parliament
The crackdown coincides with the Labour government’s Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, which is set for its second reading in Parliament this week. The proposed legislation seeks to dismantle criminal networks that exploit border security loopholes.
The bill aims to grant law enforcement additional powers, including the ability to seize mobile phones from individuals entering the UK illegally before they are officially arrested. Labour argues that these reforms will enhance national security and improve border enforcement.
However, the Opposition Conservative Party has criticized the bill, branding it as ineffective. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp stated:
“Under new leadership [of Kemi Badenoch], the Conservatives are coming up with effective and deliverable reforms to cut immigration. Our country is our home, not a hotel.”
As immigration remains a focal issue in UK politics, the Labour government’s aggressive enforcement measures will likely shape the national debate ahead of the next general election.
