New powers allowing UK border officers to confiscate mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants arriving via small boats have come into force. The measures, which do not require an arrest, are part of a significant escalation in efforts to combat people smuggling across the English Channel.
Operational Rollout at Manston
The powers became operational on Monday, with officers at the Manston processing centre in Kent beginning to seize electronic devices. Technology is now on-site to download data from the phones, which authorities hope will provide crucial intelligence to identify and disrupt smuggling networks.
These new legal tools were granted under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which became law in December. Border Security Minister Alex Norris stated the government is delivering on its promise to restore order. "We are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before," he said.
Record Crossings and Political Debate
The policy change comes against a backdrop of persistently high numbers of Channel arrivals. Official figures show that 41,472 migrants crossed to the UK in 2025, making it the second-highest annual total on record. This represents a 13% increase from the 36,816 who made the journey in 2024.
The announcement has ignited political debate. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp of the Conservative Party argued that while phone seizures "may help at the margins," they will not resolve the crisis. He criticised the Labour government for "cosmetic tweaks" and reiterated his party's call for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a move Labour has rejected in favour of reforming the treaty.
Broader Crackdown on Smuggling Supplies
The new legislation also introduces severe criminal penalties for those supporting the smuggling trade. Individuals storing or supplying boat engines for Channel crossings now face up to 14 years in prison. Furthermore, smugglers researching departure points or sourcing dinghy equipment could receive sentences of up to five years.
Martin Hewitt, the UK’s Border Security Commander, reported that his unit has executed over 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs since its inception. He described Monday as a "key moment," providing extra tools to intensify the crackdown.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has concurrently announced a suite of wider asylum system reforms, which she termed "the most significant changes in modern times." These reforms aim to deter illegal migration and expedite deportations.
