Overview
- Home Office figures show 17,483 raids and 12,322 arrests between July 2024 and December 2025, up 77% and 83% on the prior 18 months.
- Of those arrested, 1,726 people have been returned to their countries, with many others detained, on immigration bail or contesting removal.
- The crackdown targets sectors vulnerable to exploitation such as nail bars, car washes, barbers, takeaways, restaurants, markets, construction sites and warehouses.
- Officials cite a £5m boost for Immigration Enforcement, the rollout of body‑worn cameras since September, expanded right‑to‑work checks, higher fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker and plans for mandatory digital ID.
- Ministers frame the push as reducing pull factors and disrupting smuggling, while critics say enforcement alone will not curb irregular arrivals; the government also points to increased removals and smuggling disruptions since mid‑2024.