February 11, 2025: In a sweeping crackdown reminiscent of former US President Donald Trump's immigration policies, the United Kingdom’s Labour government has intensified its efforts against illegal workers, targeting sectors heavily reliant on migrant labor, including Indian restaurants, nail bars, and convenience stores.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper personally oversaw the campaign, with the Home Office reporting a record-breaking January. Authorities raided 828 business premises across the country—a 48% increase compared to the previous year—leading to 609 arrests, a sharp 73% rise.

A significant focus of the raids was on restaurants, takeaways, and cafes, with enforcement officials detaining multiple workers at various establishments. One such operation at an Indian restaurant in Humberside resulted in seven arrests and four detentions, underscoring the government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws.

“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants,” said Cooper, justifying the crackdown. She argued that weak enforcement in the past had encouraged illegal crossings into the UK and led to labor exploitation.

The Home Office's data indicates a 38% surge in illegal working crackdowns between July 2024 and January 2025, compared to the same period in the previous year. Employers found guilty of hiring undocumented workers now face fines of up to £60,000 per worker.

Eddy Montgomery, Director of Enforcement, Compliance, and Crime at the Home Office, defended the measures, stating, “These figures demonstrate our commitment to cracking down on those who flout our immigration system. There is no hiding place from the law.”

While the government asserts that these raids are necessary to uphold immigration laws and prevent worker exploitation, critics argue that such policies disproportionately target migrant communities and essential industries. Many businesses, particularly Indian restaurant owners, fear the impact on staffing and operations, given the sector's heavy reliance on migrant labor.

The enforcement drive also aligns with the UK government’s broader objective of expelling foreign criminals and undocumented immigrants, with 16,400 individuals removed since the July 2024 general election—the highest figure since 2018.

As immigration continues to be a divisive issue, the latest crackdown raises questions about the balance between enforcing laws and protecting migrant workers' rights, especially in industries where their contributions are vital.