UK Labour government launches Trump-style immigration crackdown

Labour’s aggressive enforcement measures and high-profile deportations mark a major shift in UK immigration policy

February 11, 2025

Labour’s aggressive enforcement measures and high-profile deportations mark a major shift in UK immigration policy

Mass raids target illegal workers across the UK

In a major immigration enforcement drive, the UK Labour government has launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal workers, reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump‘s tough immigration policies. Described as a “UK-wide blitz,” the operation has targeted Indian restaurants, nail salons, convenience stores, and car washes employing migrant workers without legal status.

Overseen personally by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Home Office reported a record-breaking January, carrying out 828 workplace raids, a 48% increase from the previous year. 609 arrests were made, marking a 73% surge in immigration-related detentions.

One high-profile raid at an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England, resulted in seven arrests and four detentions.

“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced,” Cooper stated, warning that illegal employment fuels human trafficking, economic exploitation, and dangerous Channel crossings.

Labour’s ‘Show, Not Tell’ strategy to counter reform UK surge

With the rise of Reform UK in national polls, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increasing pressure to prove Labour is tough on illegal immigration. His government is now adopting a Trump-style media strategy, releasing dramatic footage of deportation flights.

The government has used chartered flights to remove over 800 immigration offenders, including those convicted of drug crimes, theft, rape, and murder.
A newly released video shows deportees being led onto flights, including a man in shackles escorted by Border Force agents.
Home Office campaigns in Vietnam and Albania are warning migrants of the dangers of illegal entry, including debt, exploitation, and false promises from smugglers.

Illegal working crackdown intensifies

According to Home Office statistics, between July 2023 and January 2024, immigration enforcement raids increased by 38%, with over 1,090 civil penalty notices issued to businesses employing undocumented workers.

Employers caught hiring illegal workers face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.
Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, warned, “There is no hiding place from the law, and we will ramp up enforcement to ensure full consequences.”
Labour exploitation reports have surged, prompting Immigrant Enforcement teams to collaborate with organizations to safeguard vulnerable workers.

Since Labour took office in July 2024, the Home Office has removed 16,400 illegal immigrants and foreign criminals, the highest level since 2018.

New border security bill sparks political clash

The crackdown coincides with the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, set for its second reading in Parliament this week. The legislation aims to:

Combat organized crime gangs that exploit illegal migration.
Expand law enforcement powers, including seizing mobile phones from migrants before arrest.

The Opposition Conservative Party has dismissed the bill as “weak and ineffective”, arguing it “won’t stop the boats”.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized Labour’s immigration policy, stating:
“Under new leadership, the Conservatives are introducing real reforms to cut immigration. Our country is our home, not a hotel.”

Labour’s aggressive enforcement measures and high-profile deportations mark a major shift in UK immigration policy. With Reform UK rising in the polls and Conservatives pushing for tougher measures, immigration will likely remain a defining issue in British politics in the coming months.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.