Almost 19,000 foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers deported as Home Office targets illegal workers Almost 19,000 foreign criminals and failed asylum seekers have been deported to countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and South America since July as the Government steps up illegal working raids.
About 1,000 Government employees have been redeployed to work on enforcement, resulting in a 21% rise in foreign national offenders being sent home compared to the previous 12 months, according to the Home Office.
This included six people arrested at a South London grocery warehouse, ten people during raids on Cheshire vape shops and seven arrests made at an Indian restaurant in Humberside.
"Not only does this create a dangerous draw for people to risk their lives by crossing the Channel in a small boat, but it results in the abuse of vulnerable people, the immigration system and our economy.
Among the proposals, people selling and handling boat parts suspected of being used in crossings could face up to 14 years in prison, while anyone at sea during the dangerous journeys who endangers another life could face a five-year jail term.
