Mass Arrest of Illegal Workers in Dawn Raid at Iconic Site

Thirty-six individuals were detained in a dawn raid at a construction site in Belfast’s renowned Titanic Quarter. Immigration enforcement officers, in collaboration with Belfast Harbour Police, carried out the operation.

Among those arrested were 35 Romanian men and a 16-year-old, all employed by a subcontractor. The charges against them include violations of visa conditions and illegal entry into the UK without work authorization.

Additionally, one individual was taken into custody on suspicion of facilitating unlawful immigration. Some of those detained have agreed to voluntarily leave the UK, while others have been placed under strict immigration bail, requiring them to report to the Home Office regularly.

The 16-year-old has been referred to the appropriate authorities for further inquiry and support. The number of raids targeting illegal workers has risen by 38% since the last election.

Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, stated: "We are intensifying enforcement efforts across the UK to crack down on those who disregard immigration laws... This Government is increasing the pace with more inspections, arrests, and removals of individuals without legal status, in an effort to finally restore control over our immigration system.

"My message is clear – illegal workers, along with those who hire and exploit them, will be caught and will face the full consequences of the law."

According to the Home Office, individuals who end up working illegally are often deceived about their right to live and work in the UK. Many endure appalling living conditions, receive extremely low wages, and are subjected to excessive working hours, all while facing the constant risk of arrest and deportation if discovered.

Employers who engage in illegal hiring practices can be fined up to £60,000 and may also face imprisonment.

Paul McHarron, Northern Ireland's head of immigration compliance and enforcement, emphasized: "I hope these arrests highlight our determination to crack down on illegal workers and employers who fail to comply with the law. Illegal employment not only weakens our immigration system and economy but is also closely tied to poor living conditions, exploitative hours, and wages below the legal minimum.

"This must end, which is why we are stepping up enforcement efforts to combat this issue in all its forms. I would like to thank our partner agencies for their assistance in carrying out this operation."

Since July, nearly 19,000 foreign nationals, including convicted criminals and individuals without legal status, have been removed from the UK.