New figures reveal that at least 27,000 illegal immigrants have been arrested across the UK in the past four years, shedding light on the scale of the immigration crisis. Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request from 28 police forces shows 27,109 migrants were arrested for being 'without leave to enter' since 2014, excluding 1,144 individuals who conspired to help them enter the country.
The Metropolitan Police alone arrested 21,967 people for immigration offences during this period. Arrests often occur after 'lorry drops' or raids, and some migrants are discovered after committing low-level crimes. Forces such as Thames Valley (2,685 arrests), West Yorkshire (1,271), Warwickshire (933), Leicestershire (872), and Cheshire (440) also reported significant numbers.
MPs and union leaders argue that more investment is needed to secure Britain's borders ahead of Brexit. Tory MP Philip Hollobone stated, 'These people should be stopped at the border; it shouldn't be up to police to arrest them.' Lucy Moreton of the ISU union described the border as 'more like a colander than the odd hole,' calling for increased Border Force funding.
Only 28 of 42 police forces responded to the FOI request, suggesting the true figure is higher. Former Home Office director David Wood claimed there could be a million illegal immigrants in Britain who will never be deported. The Home Office defended its efforts, stating illegal immigration 'impacts the whole of society, putting pressure on public services and fuelling modern slavery.'
