UK Government Escalates Immigration Crackdown

The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has initiated a major crackdown on illegal immigration, reminiscent of policies previously seen in the US under Donald Trump. In January, the Home Office executed 828 raids on workplaces employing undocumented workers, such as Indian restaurants, nail bars, and car washes, leading to 609 arrests—a 73% increase from the previous year. This operation is part of a broader strategy to enforce immigration laws and combat the exploitation of illegal workers, while also addressing the rising number of dangerous Channel crossings by migrants. The crackdown aligns with the Labour government's introduction of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which aims to dismantle criminal networks facilitating illegal migration. As public support swells for the anti-immigrant Reform UK party, the government is under pressure to visibly demonstrate its commitment to stringent immigration enforcement. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the necessity of respecting immigration rules to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable people and to maintain economic integrity.