The United Kingdom government has put into effect a new counter-terrorism policy granting security officials authority to confiscate mobile phones from illegal migrants without placing them under arrest.
The measure, activated by the Home Office on Monday, is part of a broader strategy aimed at tackling smuggling networks responsible for organizing small boat crossings across the English Channel.
British authorities say the law will enable border officers to collect valuable intelligence directly from migrants arriving unlawfully, particularly information that could expose the operations and supply chains of people-smuggling gangs.
Under the regulation, officers are permitted to demand that migrants remove their coats and other clothing to facilitate searches for phones.
They can also inspect migrants’ mouths for hidden SIM cards as part of efforts to prevent destruction of evidence.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) believes data retrieved from seized devices will help accelerate investigations and lead to quicker arrests and prosecutions of criminal masterminds.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris described the law as a decisive step toward restoring control to UK borders.
“We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people-smuggling networks behind this deadly trade,” Norris said. “These robust new laws give us powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before.”
Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, explained that while phones may be taken from migrants on arrival, they could later be returned depending on what is discovered on them.
“If people have devices that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that,” Tapp noted. He added that the policy would still be implemented with compassion.
Beyond phone seizures, the legislation introduces tougher penalties for individuals aiding illegal crossings.
Perpetrators caught storing or supplying boat engines or related equipment for smuggling migrants into the UK could face up to 14 years imprisonment.
Martin Hewitt, head of the special unit tasked with curbing Channel crossings, revealed that more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs have been recorded since the formation was established.
These include cash seizures and convictions of key players in the illicit trade.
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Hewitt called the introduction of the new law a “key moment” that provides additional tools to intensify the crackdown on organized smugglers.
However, human rights groups have raised concerns about the powers, warning that they must not be abused.
Related News reports show ongoing debates over UK migration policies, including claims that the country loses billions of pounds annually by under-utilising skilled African migrants.
The UK government, nevertheless, insists that the latest policy is focused on national security and dismantling criminal gangs profiting from dangerous migrant journeys.
Officials maintain that the law will ultimately save lives by cutting off the networks fueling illegal and often deadly crossings to Britain.