UK Arrests 280 in Illegal Delivery Rider Crackdown

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LONDON – British authorities arrested 280 individuals during a week-long operation targeting illegal migrant delivery riders, the Home Office confirmed on Saturday.

Between 20 and 27 July, immigration enforcement officers stopped and questioned 1,780 people, resulting in arrests of nearly one in five. The government is reviewing asylum support for 53 detainees. This crackdown forms part of a broader government effort to tackle illegal immigration, including new legal requirements for companies to verify workers’ immigration status.

Border Security Minister Angela Eagle stated, “This government is making sure rules are respected and enforced.” The operation comes amid political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to address concerns over illegal migration, with support rising for Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, known for its strong stance on immigration.

In addition to arrests, 51 businesses, including car washes and restaurants, received civil penalty notices and could face fines for employing illegal workers. Authorities also seized 71 vehicles, including 58 electric bikes commonly used for deliveries, alongside £8,000 in cash and £460,000 worth of illicit cigarettes.

The Home Office announced a £5 million funding boost to immigration enforcement teams for ongoing efforts to combat illegal working. Last month, the government reached a new agreement with major food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to share information aimed at preventing illegal employment within the sector.

Over the year to July, the UK removed 35,052 people without the right to remain, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year.

In related developments, France recently agreed to accept some undocumented migrants arriving in the UK via small boats, with the UK reciprocating by taking in an equal number of legitimate asylum seekers with family ties in France. This bilateral arrangement seeks to manage migration flows more effectively between the two countries.