Immigration enforcement raids at highest level in British history, Home Office figures show

Illegal working arrests and raids have reached the highest level in British history, according to the Home Office.

New figures show the number of raids by immigration enforcement teams has soared by 77% in the UK since the Labour government came into power last July, leading to an 83% rise in arrests in the last six months of 2025.

In Scotland, 695 raids were carried out last year, leading to 400 arrests – a 61% and 49% rise respectively compared to 2024.

More than 17,400 raids were made to businesses, such as nail bars, car washes, construction sites, barbers and takeaway shops.

Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: ”There is no place for illegal working in our communities.

“That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.

“I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”

Raids

On April 24, officers visited China Town Chinese Takeaway in Dingwall. Two individuals – a man and woman of Chinese nationality – were arrested for illegal working. Both were detained for removal.
On October 30, officers visited the Rainbow Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway in Newton Stewart. Three individuals of Chinese nationality were arrested, and 1,600 cigarettes were seized.
On December 11, officers visited an industrial site in Kilwinning. Ten men of Pakistani nationality were arrested for illegal working. Nine were subsequently detained pending their removal from the UK. A Civil Penalty Referral Notice was also issued.

The Home Office says the major uplift, which led to more than 12,300 arrests, was made possible by a £5m funding boost last year for immigration enforcement.

The new figures come as Immigration Enforcement officers across the UK are now equipped with body worn video technology.

Following the start of the launch in September last year, all teams are now benefitting from this capability which will help bolster arrests and prosecutions further.

Brian Gillespie, immigration compliance and enforcement lead for Scotland, said: “Not only is illegal working against the law but it undercuts honest businesses and damages our economy.

“We will continue our relentless efforts throughout 2026 to ensure illegal workers and those who employ them face the full consequences.”