By Gurpreet
Monday, 10 February 2025
The Home Office has launched a new wave of immigration raids targeting illegal working, as Labour moves to counter the rising threat of Reform UK by taking a tougher stance on migration enforcement.
Officials report a 38% increase in workplace visits and arrests since Labour came to power, marking the government’s most aggressive crackdown in years. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is expected to personally attend one of the early morning raids this week, as ministers attempt to demonstrate visible action on illegal immigration.
As part of this effort, the government will broadcast footage of deportations, particularly involving foreign criminals, as they are transferred from detention centers to outbound flights.
Labour’s Harder Stance on Migration
Labour’s shift on immigration follows growing support for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which recently topped a YouGov poll for the first time. A government source stated, “We don’t think it’s enough just to look strong on migration, we actually need to be strong. People need to see it happening.”
Since the election, over 16,400 people, including failed asylum seekers, irregular migrants, and foreign criminals, have been deported—though officials acknowledge that more than half left the UK voluntarily.
The government argues that strict enforcement is necessary to prevent people from risking their lives crossing the Channel. Cooper said, “The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to exploit illegal migrants with no enforcement action ever taken.”
Internal Labour Discontent
However, the government’s strategy is causing unease within Labour ranks. Some MPs fear the party is reviving Theresa May’s infamous “hostile environment” policy, which was criticized for its harsh treatment of migrants.
Labour veteran Diane Abbott warned against imitating Reform UK’s rhetoric. “Trying to present ourselves as Reform-lite is a big mistake. All you do is give legitimacy to their agenda and encourage people to vote for the real thing,” she told The Guardian.
Concerns are particularly pronounced among Labour MPs in marginal “Red Wall” seats, where Reform UK is gaining ground. Some MPs believe the party must strike a balance between immigration control and protecting vulnerable migrants.
Record-Breaking Raids and Arrests
The crackdown has led to the busiest January for enforcement activity in over five years, according to Home Office officials. Immigration enforcement teams raided workplaces such as nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants, and car washes, leading to a 73% surge in arrests compared to last year.
Eddy Montgomery, a senior enforcement director, stated: “I hope it sends a strong signal that there is no hiding place from the law, and we will continue to ramp up our activity to ensure those involved face the full consequences.”
The next phase of operations will target larger employers suspected of hiring undocumented workers.
Political Impact and the Road Ahead
Labour’s tougher immigration stance highlights its effort to neutralize Reform UK’s influence ahead of future elections. However, with internal tensions growing, the party faces a difficult challenge: proving its commitment to border enforcement while maintaining support from traditional Labour voters who favor a more compassionate approach to migration.
As the new border security bill moves through Parliament, the political battle over immigration is set to intensify, with both Labour and Reform UK vying for control of the debate.
Source: LIIE IMMIGRATION
