Crackdown on illegal working leads to surge in arrests
A crackdown on migrants working in the UK illegally has led to a surge in arrests, the government has said.
The Home Office said the number of immigration raids on businesses such as nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaways had increased by 77% since Labour came to power, with an 83% rise in arrests.
Opposition parties have warned that opportunities to work illegally in the UK act as a pull factor for migrants, encouraging people to cross the Channel in small boats.
More than 41,000 people made the dangerous journey in 2025, the highest number since 2022 and almost 5,000 more than the previous year.
