In a coordinated dawn raid, Suffolk Police and Home Office enforcement officers stormed a residential property in Ipswich, uncovering what is believed to be an illegal immigration operation.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning, resulted in the discovery of 17 individuals at the address. Authorities have confirmed the property is now under investigation for potential modern slavery and immigration offences.
Operation Details
Acting on intelligence, officers from both Suffolk Police and the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement team executed a warrant at the undisclosed location. While no arrests were made during the initial raid, authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Official Statements
A Suffolk Police spokesperson stated: "We can confirm our officers assisted Immigration Enforcement with a warrant execution at a property in Ipswich. The matter is now being investigated as a potential immigration offence."
The Home Office added: "Immigration Enforcement officers carried out an intelligence-led operation in Ipswich. Seventeen individuals were encountered and our investigations are ongoing."
Community Impact
Local residents expressed shock at the police activity in their normally quiet neighborhood. One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's frightening to think something like this could be happening right next door. You never expect it in an area like this."
Authorities have reassured the community that there is no ongoing threat to public safety following the operation.
