UK Follows US: Indian Restaurants in UK Targeted

Taking a cue from the United States, the United Kingdom imposed a major crackdown on illegal workers, targeting businesses such as Indian restaurants, nail salons, convenience stores, and car washes. The Keir Starmer government in the UK targeted Indian restaurants as part of its drive against illegal immigration, alike to Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration and mass deportation drive in the US.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is leading this crackdown and it led to record-breaking enforcement actions. In January alone, officials raided 828 locations — an increase of 48% compared to the previous year — resulting in 609 arrests, a 73% rise. Many of these raids focused on the food and hospitality sector, with a single operation in northern England leading to seven arrests and four detentions. This is sending jitters down the spine of Indian restaurant owners and business owners.

That is not all. The UK government has increased deportations. Special charter flights have been used to remove over 800 “immigration offenders,” including those convicted of serious crimes. A newly released government video showed deportations in action, with detained individuals being escorted onto planes. Since Labour took office, nearly 19,000 foreign criminals and illegal migrants have been deported.

The government has also launched social media campaigns in countries like Vietnam and Albania, warning potential migrants about the dangers of illegal entry into the UK.
New Immigration Laws in Parliament

The crackdown comes as the UK Parliament reviews the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill. The proposed law aims to give authorities more power to tackle human smuggling networks and prevent illegal immigration. Measures include allowing law enforcement to seize migrants’ phones before arrest.

Our Country is Our Home, Not a Hotel

The opposition Conservative Party has criticized the bill, calling it too weak to prevent illegal migration. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has argued for stricter policies, stating, “Our country is our home, not a hotel.”

UK PM Keir Starmer Under Pressure

With rising political pressure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is taking a tough stance on immigration, using highly visible enforcement actions to demonstrate its commitment to border control.