UK immigration enforcement authorities have arrested 280 people during a week-long operation targeting illegal delivery riders across the country. The nationwide action, carried out between July 20 and July 27, involved stopping and questioning 1,780 individuals suspected of working without proper documentation, resulting in nearly one in five being detained.

Officials confirmed that asylum support is under review for 53 of those arrested. The operation also led to civil penalties being issued to 51 businesses found to have employed undocumented workers. Enforcement officers seized 71 vehicles, £8,000 in cash, and £460,000 worth of illicit cigarettes during the raids.

The UK government has pledged an additional £5 million in funding to strengthen immigration enforcement. Authorities have also announced partnerships with major food delivery companies, including Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat, to help verify workers’ immigration status and prevent illegal employment in the gig economy.

This operation comes as the UK intensifies its broader efforts to curb illegal migration. Official data shows that 35,052 people without legal residency were removed from the country over the past year, a 13% increase compared to the previous year. The government recently signed a bilateral agreement with France allowing for migrant returns based on family ties and is preparing to launch a “one in, one out” pilot scheme. Under this program, some undocumented small-boat arrivals will be sent back to France in exchange for legitimate asylum seekers with UK-based relatives being allowed entry.

Officials say the latest crackdown reflects the government’s determination to address illegal work and strengthen border controls while holding employers accountable for compliance with immigration laws.