The UK government has implemented new measures allowing law enforcement to seize mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants without the need for arrests, effective from January 5, 2025. This initiative is part of a comprehensive strategy to address the rising number of illegal Channel crossings and to dismantle people-smuggling networks. In 2025, the UK recorded 41,472 migrants arriving after crossing the English Channel, marking the second-highest annual figure on record.
Migrants typically arrive at the Manston processing centre in Kent after being rescued at sea and brought to land in Dover. The new powers allow officers at this centre to collect and analyze data from the seized electronic devices, aiming to gather intelligence on smuggling operations. This approach is reinforced by the recent enactment of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act in December 2024, which provides law enforcement with additional tools for curbing illegal migration.
Alex Norris, the UK’s Border Security Minister, stated, “We promised to restore order and control to our borders which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade.” Norris emphasized that the government is dedicated to disrupting these gangs to protect lives and reduce illegal crossings. The new law includes severe penalties, such as up to 14 years in prison for individuals involved in supplying or storing boat engines used for smuggling migrants.
The statistics from 2025 show a significant increase in migrant arrivals compared to previous years, with a 13% rise from 2024 and a 41% increase from 2023. The figure remains 9% below the all-time high of 45,774 recorded in 2022. In response to these numbers, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the government’s approach, suggesting that measures like phone seizures are insufficient to deter crossings. He has proposed withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to implement more effective strategies, a suggestion that has been rejected by the Labour Party in favor of reforming the treaty.
The newly introduced law also targets those who facilitate smuggling operations through the use of technology. Individuals found downloading maps for departure points or researching equipment for small boats could face up to five years in prison. Martin Hewitt, the UK’s Border Security Commander, reported that his unit has disrupted over 4,000 smuggling operations since its establishment, including the seizure of cash and the conviction of key players involved in the illicit trade.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced sweeping reforms to the UK’s asylum system, which she describes as “the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times.” These reforms aim not only to deter illegal immigration but also to streamline the process for removing and deporting individuals who do not qualify for asylum.
As the government continues to grapple with the complexities of migration across the English Channel, the effectiveness of these new measures remains to be seen. The ongoing dialogue surrounding immigration policies reflects the broader challenges facing the UK in managing its borders while addressing humanitarian concerns.
