New powers to seize phones from migrants come into force
Summary
The UK has introduced new powers that allow authorities to seize mobile phones from illegal migrants without arresting them. This aims to gather information on smuggling gangs organizing small boat crossings to the UK. Authorities hope this will help speed up investigations and disrupt smuggling networks.Key Facts
- The new powers allow UK authorities to take mobile phones from illegal migrants without needing to arrest them.
- The goal is to collect intelligence on smuggling gangs involved in small boat crossings to the UK.
- The Home Office will start using these powers at the Manston migrant processing center in Kent.
- Officers can ask migrants to remove coats and check their mouths for SIM cards.
- Information from seized phones can speed up investigations into smuggling gangs.
- Under the new law, people storing or supplying boat engines for migrant transport could face up to 14 years in jail.
- Over 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs have occurred since new efforts began.
- More than 41,000 people arrived via small boats in 2025, which is higher than the previous year.
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