Arrests for illegal working in the UK are up after a major raid in Swindon saw dozens detained.
The number of visits and arrests over illegal working has reached its highest level since current records began in 2019, new figures show.
8,971 arrests were made last year, up nearly 59 per cent compared to 5,647 in 2024 – the previous highest point in data published by the Home Office.
One of the most significant operations carried out by Immigration Enforcement officers in recent months took place in Swindon on December 16.
Alongside Wiltshire Police, they visited Panattoni Park, the former home of Honda’s manufacturing plant, and carried out checks on all workers on the site.
In total, 30 arrests were made for immigration-related offences.
Nearly all of these people were detained for removal from the UK, while five were released on immigration bail.
Swindon hub commander Supt Mike Vass said: “This was a significant operation with our colleagues in Immigration targeting illegal working and safeguarding vulnerable individuals who may be being exploited.
“It came about through vital information into our intelligence unit, and I would encourage those who have concerns about illegal working or the exploitation of vulnerable people to report it to us on 101 or through our website.
“Information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
Across the UK as a whole, some 12,791 enforcement visits took place in 2025, up 57 per cent from 8,122 in the previous year.
Of those arrested, 1,087 people have been removed from the UK so far.
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Immigration enforcement was given £5 million to arrest, detain and remove migrants working illegally.
Businesses visited by officers included nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops.
Ministers are seeking to crack down on illegal working in the UK, as part of efforts to deter those coming to the country illegally.
Home Office director for enforcement teams, Eddy Montgomery, said: “While this is a great achievement, our activity won’t stop here, we will continue to bear down on this criminality in our towns, cities and villages to ensure there is no hiding place from immigration laws.”
Elsewhere, tighter right-to-work checks have also been introduced under the Government’s new Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, forcing casual, temporary or subcontracted workers to have to prove their status.
Employers who fail to carry out checks could face up to five years in prison, fines of £60,000 for each illegal worker they have employed, and having their business closed.
