Some 234 people have been arrested following 187 immigration enforcement raids in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
It comes amid numbers of raids across the UK deemed the highest on record, up by 77%, leading to an 83% rise in arrests between July 2024 and December 2025.<\/p>\n
Businesses, including nail bars, car washes, barbers and take away shops, were among those targeted in more than 17,400 raids UK-wide, which resulted in more than 12,300 arrests.<\/p>\n
It follows a \u00a35 million funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality.<\/p>\n
In Northern Ireland, 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests \u2013 a 76% and 169% rise respectively compared to 2024.<\/p>\n
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated there is \u201cno place for illegal working in our communities\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: \u201cIllegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no heading place for those flouting the law.\u201d<\/p>\n
Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, Paul McHarron, said teams will \u201ccontinue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law\u201d.<\/p>\n
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