The government has announced an increase in arrests and deportations for illegal working. Home Office figures reveal that over 17,000 individuals have been arrested since the July 2024 general election. This number represents more than double the arrests made in the preceding two-year period.
Of those arrested, 2,357 people have been deported. This marks a 50% increase compared to the number of returns between July 2022 and June 2024. Anna Turley, the border security and asylum minister, stated that these are "the highest levels in British history."
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Minister Turley said, "We’re sending a message that if you think you can come to this country and work illegally and disappear off the books, then our immigration enforcement service will find you [and] will arrest you."