Overview
- The Home Office reported that in the first half of 2026 there were 7,270 illegal‑working visits that led to 4,756 arrests, the highest six‑month total the department has published.
- Since July 2024 more than 17,000 illegal‑working arrests have been recorded and 2,357 people have been returned to their home countries, figures the government links to an expanded enforcement push.
- A week‑long June operation with Immigration Enforcement and 39 police forces visited over 900 businesses and made 269 immigration‑related arrests, showing how national multi‑agency actions are concentrating activity.
- Regionally targeted raids have driven local spikes: the West Midlands reported 884 visits and 701 arrests in 2026 so far, Cumbria recorded 12 arrests during two days of action in January, and Northern Ireland police seized cash and a knife during an Antrim nail‑bar visit.
- Enforcement routinely includes Civil Penalty Referral Notices for employers suspected of hiring illegal workers and follows government pledges to grow Immigration Enforcement staff and double its budget by 2028/29, which could mean more raids, fines and removals for affected workers and businesses.