Amid US crackdown on illegal immigrants, UK deports 19,000 people, read full details

London: The UK has deported 19,000 people, including illegal immigrants and foreign criminals, in a major crackdown reminiscent of the Trump administration’s policies in the US.

Keir Starmer’s Labour government has conducted large-scale raids targeting businesses suspected of employing undocumented workers. Indian restaurants, nail bars, stores, and car washes—where many migrant workers are employed—were among the main targets.

Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said that immigration enforcement teams raided 828 locations in January, marking a 48% increase from the previous year. These operations led to 609 arrests, including seven at an Indian restaurant in Humberside, northern England.

The crackdown comes as the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill faces a second review in Parliament this week. The legislation aims to tackle criminal gangs accused of undermining border security.

As part of the enforcement measures, 1,090 civil penalty notices have been issued to employers, warning of fines of £60,000 per undocumented worker.

The Starmer government claims to have set the highest removal target for foreign criminals and immigration offenders since 2018. Since the July 2024 general elections, authorities have identified 16,400 illegal immigrants.