The government of the United Kingdom (UK) have officially gained the authority to seize mobile phones from migrants without the need for an arrest.
Starting today, officers at the Manston processing centre in Kent began using on-site technology to download data from devices.
The government claims the move is vital for dismantling people-smuggling networks.
These measures follows a year of record-high activity. In 2025, a total of 41,472 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats. This represents an increase of nearly 5,000 compared to the previous year and stands as the highest figure recorded since 2022.
Under these strengthened regulations, officials can now demand that individuals remove coats for searches or even check for SIM cards hidden in their mouths.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) believes this data will provide a “treasure trove” of intelligence to accelerate investigations into the gangs facilitating dangerous Channel crossings.
Alex Norris, minister of Border Security emphasised the government’s commitment to border integrity, stating:
“We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people-smuggling networks behind this deadly trade. That is exactly why 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.”
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Martin Hewitt, the official leading the efforts to curb crossings, noted that while over 4,000 disruptions have already occurred, this marks a turning point.
He stated that Monday marked a key moment to go further with extra tools to crack down on smugglers.
Tougher sentencing and policy shifts
The new legislation does not just target data; it introduces severe criminal penalties for those facilitating illegal entry.
Individuals caught storing or supplying boat engines for illegal crossings could face up to 14 years in prison.
In addition, smugglers caught downloading maps for departure points or sourcing equipment online now face up to five years’ imprisonment.
Shabana Mahmood, home secretary has also signalled significant changes to the asylum system, aimed at increasing deportations and deterring arrivals.
Political and humanitarian reaction
The move has sparked a sharp debate in Westminster. Chris Philp, Shadow Home Secretary criticised the measures as insufficient, arguing that the Labour government is merely making “cosmetic tweaks.”
“With more than 41,000 people arriving in 2025, the government needs to get a proper grip on the situation,” Philp remarked, reiterating the Conservative stance that the UK should consider leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to create a true deterrent
On the other hand, the Refugee Council has urged caution regarding the proportionality of these searches. The charity explained that phones are a lifeline for vulnerable people who need to remain in contact with their families, and stressed that it is essential these powers are not used indiscriminately.
