Over 100 arrested in Wales and West England after 121 visits, doubling last year’s figures amid increased enforcement.
The government wants to stop illegal work. January saw the most enforcement in five years. They visited restaurants, nail bars, or car washes. There were 609 arrests from 828 visits. That’s a big jump from 352 last year.
Cops raided a farm in Llangedwyn, Powys. They caught six Romanians working illegally. The farm might get a huge fine. It could be £60,000 for each worker! Officials say no one can hide illegal workers.
Visits and arrests rose 38% since last July. Employers got 1,090 fines. Some fines are £60,000 per worker. The Home Secretary wants to enforce rules. She stated employers can’t exploit migrants anymore.
Illegal work often means bad conditions. People face long hours and little pay. The government wants to stop dangerous crossings. These crossings promise jobs that don’t exist.
Parliament will discuss a new bill. It targets border security and immigration. Officers could search phones for crime info. This helps them catch smuggling gangs. They also removed 16,400 people since July. Some committed serious crimes here.