Over 17,000 arrested for illegal working as Home Office hits record enforcement levels

The Home Office said more than 17,000 arrests of migrants working illegally have been made since July 2024, a 122% rise on the previous two years. Raids reached 7,270 in the first half of 2026. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said enforcement is at "the highest level in British history." Employers face £74m in penalties so far this year.