Illegal workers held in raids on nail bars and takeaways

The UK government has announced a significant crackdown on illegal employment, with enforcement teams carrying out raids across the country last month. More than 800 businesses—including nail salons, car washes, and restaurants—were inspected, leading to 609 arrests. This marks a 73% increase compared to the same period last year.

Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle defended the operation, describing it as both necessary and compassionate. She stated that releasing footage of the arrests was intended to highlight the risks of working illegally in the UK.

Later today, MPs will debate the government’s immigration bill, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticizing it as a “weak bill that won’t stop the boats.”

Raids and Enforcement Actions

As part of the nationwide operation, immigration officers targeted various workplaces, including vape shops in Cheshire and a grocery warehouse in South London. Those arrested had entered the UK through different means—some by crossing the Channel and others by overstaying their visas.

The issue of immigration remains politically sensitive. Despite Labour’s landslide election victory seven months ago, strategists within the party are increasingly concerned about voter support shifting toward Reform UK. While some Labour figures support the government’s hardline stance, others argue that greater emphasis should be placed on creating safe and legal migration routes.

Dame Angela addressed concerns about whether releasing footage of the arrests conflicted with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s commitment to a more humane immigration system. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she defended the approach, stating:

“I don’t believe for one minute that enforcing the law and ensuring that people who break the law face the consequences—including deportation and arrest—is not compassionate.”

She also emphasized the need to counter misinformation spread by people smugglers, who she claimed lure migrants with false promises about life in the UK.

Government Plans and Deportation Figures

The government is also working to reduce the number of hotels being used to house asylum seekers. Dame Angela confirmed that nine of the 218 hotels currently in use will be closed by the end of March.

According to the Home Office, between July—when Labour took office—and January 31, immigration enforcement teams carried out 5,424 visits, resulting in 3,930 arrests. Additionally, 1,090 civil penalty notices were issued to businesses employing undocumented workers, with potential fines reaching up to £60,000 per worker.

During this period, four major deportation flights took place, returning more than 800 people to their home countries.

Debate Over Immigration Policy

Despite these efforts, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the government’s measures as inadequate, pointing out that 1,098 people had arrived illegally in the UK via small boats in January alone.

In response, the government has launched awareness campaigns in Vietnam and Albania, warning potential migrants about the dangers of illegal entry. These campaigns feature real-life testimonies from individuals who arrived in the UK only to face exploitation and financial hardship.

Later today, the House of Commons will debate the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which seeks to introduce stricter penalties for people smugglers and additional enforcement measures. However, Labour ministers have yet to set a specific target for reducing small boat crossings.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has proposed an amendment to the bill that would make it more difficult for migrants to secure indefinite leave to remain and extend the waiting period for citizenship applications from one year to five.

Philp argued that a stronger deterrent is necessary to curb illegal crossings, accusing Labour of weakening border enforcement by scrapping the previous government’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda.