News · 29 October 2025
UK Immigration Raids Hit Record High with 11,000 Operations Targeting Illegal Workers in Takeaways, Beauty Salons and Car Washes
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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