The UK government has enacted a new counter-terrorism measure allowing authorities to seize mobile phones from illegal migrants without making arrests, aiming to gather intelligence on smuggling networks facilitating small boat crossings to the country.
Under the law, Home Office officers may require migrants to remove coats for phone searches and even inspect their mouths for hidden SIM cards. The National Crime Agency said information obtained through the policy could accelerate investigations into organised smuggling gangs.
Border Security Minister Alex Norris said the measure is part of broader efforts to “restore order and control to our borders” and target those responsible for the “deadly trade” of migrant smuggling. “We are implementing robust new laws with powerful offences to intercept, disrupt and dismantle these vile gangs faster than ever before and cut off their supply chains,” he said.
Mike Tapp, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, noted that confiscated phones may be returned depending on the circumstances and the intelligence found on the devices. “If people have devices that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that. But that doesn’t take away compassion,” he added.
The legislation also introduces new criminal offences, including penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment for individuals found storing or supplying boat engines used to transport migrants to the UK.
Martin Hewitt, responsible for curbing Channel crossings, said more than 4,000 disruptions of smuggling operations have occurred since his unit was established, including seizures of cash and convictions of key gang members.
He described the new law as a significant step in providing authorities with additional tools to target smuggling networks more effectively.
