British police are to be granted significant new powers to conduct searches on individuals suspected of entering the country illegally, including the authority to examine inside their mouths for concealed mobile phone components.
Enhanced Powers at Ports of Entry
The Home Secretary has outlined a major overhaul of the rules governing the treatment of legal and illegal migrants. The most striking change involves granting officers at ports enhanced authority to compel individuals to remove outer garments and submit to mouth searches. The primary objective is to discover hidden mobile phones or SIM cards, which are considered vital tools for gathering intelligence on the criminal networks orchestrating Channel crossings.
The Home Office confirmed that these measures could, if deemed necessary, also be applied to children. This represents a significant escalation in procedural powers, as previously, a thorough search of a migrant's mobile device could only be conducted following a formal arrest.
A Hardening Stance and Swift Backlash
This policy is a clear reflection of the Labour government's increasingly firm position on immigration control. Officials argue that the new regulations will allow for the faster collection of crucial information, directly disrupting smuggling operations by cutting off communication and evidence trails at the earliest possible point.
However, the announcement has provoked immediate and fierce criticism from human rights organisations. Campaigners have condemned the plans, with some describing the proposed mouth searches as a "dystopian act of brutality" that dehumanises vulnerable people. The prospect of children being subjected to such procedures has drawn particular concern.
Intelligence Gathering vs. Civil Liberties
The core justification from the Home Office rests on national security and law enforcement efficacy. Intelligence extracted from seized devices is pivotal for mapping and dismantling the organised crime groups responsible for dangerous small boat journeys. The government's stance is that speeding up this process is essential for saving lives and securing borders.
Yet, the debate now centres on the balance between effective policing and the protection of fundamental rights. Critics argue that such intrusive powers, exercised prior to any arrest, set a dangerous precedent and could be applied in a discriminatory manner. The implementation of these new rules, expected to be enacted following the Home Secretary's statement on Tuesday 2 December 2025, will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the hardened approach.
