UK Immigration Crackdown, Including On Indian Restaurants, Mirrors Trump Playbook

Photo: Screengrab, UK Home Office

India-West News Desk

NEW DELHI – The UK Labour government has intensified its crackdown on illegal workers, adopting enforcement measures reminiscent of U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. In a nationwide operation, authorities have raided businesses including Indian restaurants, employing undocumented migrants, leading to a surge in arrests and deportations.

The Home Office reported that in January, enforcement teams inspected 828 premises—a 48% increase from the same period last year—resulting in 609 arrests, a 73% rise. The crackdown, overseen by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, targeted industries including restaurants, takeaways, cafes, convenience stores, nail bars, and car washes. A raid on an Indian restaurant in Humberside led to seven arrests and four detentions.

“The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants,” Cooper said. “Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system, and our economy.”

Echoing Trump’s immigration strategy, the UK government has publicly released video footage of deportation flights, showing migrants being escorted onto charter jets. Officials say those deported include criminals convicted of drug offences, theft, rape, and murder.

The crackdown coincides with the return of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to Parliament for its second reading. The proposed legislation seeks to expand law enforcement powers, including the ability to seize mobile phones from undocumented migrants before arrest.

The opposition Conservative Party has criticized the bill, calling it insufficient. “Under new leadership, the Conservatives are coming up with effective and deliverable reforms to cut immigration. Our country is our home, not a hotel,” said Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp.

Since Labour took office, nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and undocumented migrants have been deported, marking the highest removal rate since 2018, according to government data.