UK introduces law to seize migrants’ phones for ‘intelligence gathering’

The United Kingdom’s Home Office has introduced a new law permitting security officials to seize mobile phones and sim cards from migrants without arresting them.

According to the National Crime Agency, the new law which took effect Monday, could help the UK government gather intelligence on smuggling gangs organising small boat crossings.

The powers stem from the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which became law in December 2025 under the labour government.

“We promised to restore order and control to our borders, which means taking on the people smuggling networks behind this deadly trade,” Alex Norris, border security minister, said.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would step up his bid to ease the migration crisis and ordered the Home Office to close asylum hotels before the current 2029 deadline.

A total of 41,472 migrants arrived in the UK in 2025 after crossing the Channel – the second highest annual figure on record.

The yearly total was 13 percent higher than the figure for 2024, when 36,816 migrants made the journey, and 41 percent higher than 2023’s total of 29,437.

The figure was also nine percent below the all-time high of 45,774 in 2022.

Migration has formed an integral part of UK policies, shaping election campaigns and redrawing party lines.

Last year, the debate re-emerged after Reform UK, fast rising opposition party, criticised rising Channel crossings and gained popularity among citizens.