234 arrests following 187 immigration enforcement raids in Northern Ireland

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Some 234 people have been arrested following 187 immigration enforcement raids in Northern Ireland.

It comes amid numbers of raids across the UK deemed the highest on record, up by 77 per cent, leading to an 83 per cent rise in arrests between July 2024 and December 2025.

Businesses, including nail bars, car washes, barbers and takeaway shops, were among those targeted in more than 17,400 raids UK-wide, which resulted in more than 12,300 arrests.

This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no heading place for those flouting the law

It follows a £5 million (€5.7 million) funding boost last year for Immigration Enforcement, to target and pursue illegal working criminality.

In Northern Ireland, 187 raids were carried out in 2025, leading to 234 arrests – a 76 per cent and 169 per cent rise respectively compared to 2024.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated there is “no place for illegal working in our communities”.

“That is why we have surged enforcement activity to the highest level in British history so illegal migrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide,” she said.

“I will stop at nothing to restore order and control to our borders.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said: “Illegal working undercuts honest businesses across Northern Ireland and fuels the criminal gangs who profit from human exploitation.

“This Government has increased enforcement to record levels, and the message is clear: there is no heading place for those flouting the law.”

Immigration Compliance and Enforcement Lead for Northern Ireland, Paul McHarron, said teams will “continue working around the clock to ensure those involved face the full force of the law”.