UK powers to seize phones from migrants without arrest come into force
New powers have come into force allowing mobile phones to be seized from illegal immigrants without being arrested.
The government said this would help gather intelligence on smuggling gangs operating small boat crossings into the UK.
The Home Office said seizures would begin at Manston immigration processing center in Kent on Monday, with technology on site ready to download intelligence from devices.
Officers will be able to ask migrants to remove their coats to search for phones and will also be able to check their mouths for SIM cards.
The National Crime Agency said the information collected could speed up investigations into smuggling rings.
Border security minister Alex Norris said: “We promised to restore order and control at our borders, which means tackling the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade.
“That’s exactly why we’re implementing robust new laws with strong criminal offenses to stop, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and disrupt their supply chains.”
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Labor was limiting itself to “cosmetic adjustments” and was not a deterrent for those crossing the Channel.
He said the Conservatives would leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR); this was something Labor rejected in favor of reforming the agreement.
“With more than 41,000 people arriving in 2025, the government needs to handle the situation properly,” he added.
The Refugee Council warned that it was important that the new powers were used proportionately.
It has been stated that phones are a lifeline for vulnerable people who need to stay in touch with their families.
The new law also introduces offenses for storing or supplying boat engines to bring migrants to the UK, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison.
Smugglers who download maps showing where to sail in small boats or research the best places to buy equipment for the boats could face up to five years in prison.
Martin Hewitt, who was tasked with blocking canal crossings, said his unit had carried out more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs since it was established, including seizing cash and convicting key figures.
He said Monday was a “pivotal moment” to go even further with extra tools to crack down on smugglers.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also announced plans for “significant changes” to the asylum system to deter people from coming to the UK and make it easier for them to be deported.
Total 41,472 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025 – almost 5,000 more than the previous year.
