Illegal worker arrests in Midlands up by third

The Home Office said immigration enforcement teams in the Midlands searched more than 100 sites

More than 100 migrants were arrested in a month in the Midlands as part of a UK-wide crackdown on illegal working, the government said.

In January, 131 sites were raided in the region with 106 arrests, a 34% rise on the same month in 2024.

Across the UK, arrests in the month rose to 609, a 73% increase and a Home Office spokesperson said staff searched 828 premises including nail bars and car washes.

Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle said the government had put out footage of some raids in an effort to send a message with "imagery as well as words".

The Home Office spokesperson said a significant proportion of January's raids were at restaurants, takeaways and cafes.

Employers could face a fine of up to £60,000 per worker if found liable.

Later, the government's Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will be debated in the House of Commons in its second reading.

The bill aims to introduce a raft of new offences and counter terrorism-style powers to clamp down on people smugglers bringing migrants across the Channel.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called it a "weak bill that won't stop the boats".