General · 29 October 2025
UK Immigration Raids Hit Record High with 11,000 Operations Targeting Illegal Workers in Takeaways, Beauty Salons and Car Washes
British immigration authorities conducted over 11,000 raids targeting illegal workers in the 12 months to September 2025, marking the largest enforcement crackdown since records began. A total of over 8,000 individuals were arrested as part of 'Operation Sterling' at commercial locations such as restaurants, salons, and car washes, a figure that is 63% higher than the preceding year. For this heightened enforcement activity, the government allocated £5 million, which resulted in the deportation of more than 1,050 people.
Reported by LBC · How we write briefs