The UK government has initiated the seizure of mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants without arresting them, starting on January 5, 2025. This measure aims to bolster efforts against illegal Channel crossings and disrupt people smuggling operations, following a record number of crossings in the previous year.
Migrants, typically rescued at sea and brought to the Manston processing centre in Dover, will have their electronic devices confiscated. Technology at the centre will allow authorities to download data from these devices, providing vital intelligence about smugglers. This new directive aligns with the recently enacted Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which became law in December 2024.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris emphasized the government’s commitment to restoring order at the borders, stating, “We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade.” Norris highlighted that the new laws are designed to intercept and dismantle these criminal organizations more effectively.
In 2025, a total of 41,472 migrants crossed the English Channel, marking the second-highest annual total on record. This figure represents a 13% increase from the previous year, when 36,816 migrants made the journey. Although still below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022, the surge in numbers has prompted calls for more robust action.
Opposition voices, including Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, argue that the government’s measures are insufficient. Philp criticized the strategy as mere “cosmetic tweaks,” suggesting that it lacks the necessary deterrents to address the ongoing crisis. He advocated for withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to enable more decisive action, although Labour has expressed its preference for reforming the treaty to tackle the issue.
Philp remarked, “Seizing phones may help at the margins, but it will not fix the small boats crisis, which is raging out of control.”
The new legislation introduces severe penalties, including up to 14 years in prison for individuals involved in storing or supplying engines used to transport migrants across the Channel. Those involved in downloading maps or gathering information to facilitate these crossings face sentences of up to five years.
Martin Hewitt, the UK’s Border Security Commander, noted that since his unit’s establishment, over 4,000 disruptions against smuggling operations have occurred. These disruptions include the seizure of cash and the conviction of key figures within the smuggling networks. Hewitt described the current moment as pivotal for enhancing tools to combat smuggling activities.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also announced a series of reforms aimed at overhauling the UK’s asylum system, which she described as “the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times.” These changes are intended to deter illegal migration and streamline the deportation process.
As the UK grapples with rising numbers of unauthorized crossings, these measures reflect a growing urgency to address the complexities of migration and human trafficking in the English Channel. The government’s strategy continues to evolve as it seeks to balance border security with humanitarian considerations.
