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UK Raids Surge: 649 Arrests of Illegal Workers in Wales

1/13/2026

45 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, the United Kingdom government conducted over 1,320 raids in Wales, leading to 649 arrests of suspected illegal workers.
Targeted businesses included car washes, nail bars, and barber shops.
Immigration enforcement lead Richard Johnson reported a 114% increase in arrests from the previous year, with projections of over 2,000 arrests if trends continue.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens noted illegal work harms legitimate businesses.

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Story summary

In 2025, the United Kingdom government conducted over 1,320 raids in Wales, leading to 649 arrests of suspected illegal workers.
Targeted businesses included car washes, nail bars, and barber shops.
Immigration enforcement lead Richard Johnson reported a 114% increase in arrests from the previous year, with projections of over 2,000 arrests if trends continue.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens noted illegal work harms legitimate businesses.