New powers allowing United Kingdom authorities to seize mobile phones from irregular migrants without making an arrest have officially come into force, as part of efforts to tackle illegal Channel crossings.
The government said the measures will help security agencies gather intelligence on people-smuggling gangs responsible for organising dangerous small boat journeys to the UK.
According to the Home Office, the seizures will begin on Monday at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent, where technology is already in place to extract intelligence from confiscated devices.
Under the new rules, officers can require migrants to remove outer clothing during searches and may also inspect mouths for hidden SIM cards.
The National Crime Agency said data obtained from the phones could significantly accelerate investigations into organised smuggling networks.
Border security minister Alex Norris said: “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.”
However, the Refugee Council urged that the powers be applied proportionately, warning that mobile phones are often a vital lifeline for vulnerable migrants seeking to stay in contact with family members.
Minister for migration and citizenship Mike Tapp said seized phones could be returned, but stressed this would “depend on the individual circumstances… what’s found on that phone. That’s for the guys on the ground to make that operational decision.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he added: “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.”
The legislation also creates new offences carrying penalties of up to 14 years in prison for individuals who store or supply boat engines used to transport migrants to the UK.
Those found downloading maps of departure routes or researching where to purchase dinghies and equipment for crossings could face prison sentences of up to five years.
Martin Hewitt, who leads efforts to curb Channel crossings, said his unit has already carried out more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling gangs, including seizing cash and securing convictions.
He described Monday as a “key moment” to intensify enforcement using the additional powers now available.
Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced plans for “significant changes” to the asylum system aimed at deterring irregular migration and speeding up deportations.
Official figures show that 41,472 migrants crossed the Channel in small boats in 2025, nearly 5,000 more than the previous year.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised Labour’s approach, accusing the government of making “cosmetic tweaks” and failing to introduce meaningful deterrents.
He said the Conservatives would withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), a move Labour has rejected in favour of reforming the treaty.
“With more than 41,000 people arriving in 2025, the government needs to get a proper grip on the situation,” he added.
