Immigration enforcement officers have conducted a series of raids on businesses across south east London, targeting nail bars and car washes in a major crackdown on illegal working.
Inside the Raids: A Salon and Car Wash Targeted
Officers, accompanied by Home Office minister Mike Tapp, carried out surprise inspections on Tuesday, 13th January 2026. The operation began at a beauty salon where, following a tip-off, two Chinese women were found working on customers' nails. The women, who did not speak English, appeared anxious and avoided eye contact during questioning through an interpreter.
One attempted to protest her innocence, while the other reportedly accepted it was 'a fair cop'. Both were known to the authorities and were attempting to remain in the UK without permission. They were placed on immigration bail, pending further investigation and potential prosecution. Customers were turned away mid-treatment as the salon was occupied by officials.
The owner of the salon now faces a potential fine of more than £80,000 for employing illegal workers. Another employee present claimed to have no knowledge of their colleagues' illegal status.
Rising Arrests and Political Stance
Later the same morning, officers visited a car wash that had previously been fined £30,000 for employing an illegal migrant. The owner's son stated the business was now 'totally legit' and that the past worker had presented fake documents. During this raid, a protester arrived to confront officers and advise two Romanian workers not to answer questions, though they were later confirmed to be working legally.
Home Office minister Mike Tapp defended the raids, stating: "Raids like this are very important. Far too many are coming here for this type of work. Nail bars, car washes, they are undercutting British workers." He added that the prospect of finding work was a major 'pull factor' for migrants.
The enforcement action comes amid sharply rising figures. More than 2,100 arrests were made in London last year, representing a 47 per cent rise compared with 2024. Nationally, around 17,400 raids in 2025 led to over 12,300 arrests—the highest number since records began in 2019.
Enforcement and Exploitation
Sarah Allen, who leads the immigration enforcement unit for London, emphasised the dual role of the operations. "We are doing an important job and we do it fairly," she said. "Some people being employed illegally have been exploited themselves by the people who bring them over."
Immigration teams now raid up to 12 businesses a day based on public tip-offs and intelligence. The government has linked the crackdown to a broader strategy of moving asylum seekers out of hotels and into military accommodation.
