THE HOME Office is launching a summer blitz of illegal immigration raids targeting workers in dodgy car washes and nail bars.
Yvette Cooper will deploy a team of over 1,000 staff to ramp up operations and keep tabs on what failed asylum seekers are doing.
They will target migrants from countries like Vietnam – who are now the largest group crossing the Channel illegally but unlikely to be given asylum.
Work to fast track decisions so failed asylum seekers are deported back to their home countries quicker is also underway.
The Home Secretary says the raids will crack down on illegal immigration and smash the criminal gangs profiteering from the cruel trade.
Writing in today’s The Sun on Sunday, Ms Cooper said: “We cannot pretend everything is OK.
“Not when criminal gangs are making millions out of dangerous small boat crossings that undermine our border security and put lives at risk.”
Raids will focus on businesses known to use illegal immigrants operating in the black market – like car washes, nail bars and beauty salons.
Ms Cooper added: “We have directed Immigration Enforcement to intensify their operations over the summer, with a focus on employers who are fuelling the trade of criminal gangs by exploiting and facilitating illegal working here in the UK – including in car washes and in the beauty sector.
“And we are drawing up new plans for fast track decisions and returns for safe countries.
“Most people in this country want to see a properly controlled and managed asylum system, where Britain does its bit to help those fleeing conflict and persecution, but where those who have no right to be in the country are swiftly removed.”
Tackling the small boats crisis and illegal immigration is one of the biggest challenges for the new Labour government.
Sir Keir Starmer threw a European summit at Blenheim Palace earlier this week where he vowed to lead an international crackdown.
The PM said he would look at processing migrants before they got to Britain – known as “offshoring”.
And he wants to look at strike new returns deals with other countries.
But he has come in for heavy criticism for scrapping the Rwanda scheme – which Tories say is the only deterrent that would put migrants off making the treacherous crossing across the Channel.
And later this week the Home Sec will lay out hugely controversial plans to allow 90,000 illegal immigrants the opportunity to claim asylum.
About 60,000 are expected to be granted asylum.
Conservatives have branded the plan an “amnesty”.
