Immigration enforcement activity in the West Midlands has intensified, with a 49% increase in visits and a 22% rise in arrests over the past six months, according to the Home Office. The crackdown has led to 884 visits and 701 arrests in the region so far in 2026, targeting illegal workers across various sectors.
Major Operations Target Construction and Courier Sectors
On March 23, Home Office teams visited four construction sites, resulting in 15 arrests. One individual was later detained by West Midlands Police after fingerprint checks revealed he was wanted by Interpol for a serious offence committed in Romania.
Operation Lux on May 18 targeted illegal courier drivers linked to subcontracted DPD delivery routes, leading to 16 arrests and five vehicles seized for lack of insurance. This operation highlights the focus on gig-economy roles where illegal working is prevalent.
Birmingham City Centre Raids Disrupt Organised Crime
On June 10, 16 enforcement visits were carried out across Birmingham city centre, targeting organised immigration crime. The operation disrupted an organised crime group and employers suspected of facilitating illegal working. Nine people were arrested, three were detained, five civil penalty referral notices were served, and approximately £1,500 in cash was seized.
The Home Office warned that liable employers could face substantial fines if found to have employed illegal workers without conducting proper pre-employment checks.
National Enforcement at Historic Highs
Matthew Foster, Immigration Enforcement and Compliance Lead for the West Midlands, said: "Our enforcement activity continues day in, day out, across the West Midlands. We want our communities to know we are cracking down on this illegal activity and ensuring businesses play by the rules."
Nationally, enforcement has more than doubled in the last two years, with the first half of 2026 being the most successful six-month period in British history. Illegal working visits jumped to 7,270, a 31% increase on the same period last year, leading to 4,756 arrests, a 20% rise.
Record Arrests and Returns Since 2024
Since July 2024, over 17,000 illegal working arrests have been made, a 122% increase on the previous two years. Nearly 25,000 visits have been carried out across the country, a 111% increase. Returns of individuals arrested for working illegally have risen by 50%, totalling 2,357.
The new figures follow a week-long, multi-agency crackdown on organised immigration crime in June, involving 39 police forces. Over 900 businesses were visited, leading to 269 immigration-related arrests, 57 of which were linked to small boat arrivals.
Government Pledges Continued Crackdown
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Illegal working undercuts honest workers and legal businesses. This government has put more resources into Immigration Enforcement to crack down on it. This surge in enforcement activity takes us to the highest level in British history. Illegal workers and rogue employers have nowhere to hide."
