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The UK government has passed major new legislation aimed at disrupting criminal smuggling networks more quickly and effectively. The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act, which has now received Royal Assent, strengthens the ability of Immigration Enforcement, police, and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to stop illegal migration at its earliest stages.
Taking inspiration from counter-terrorism frameworks, the new laws allow officers to intervene before migrants are brought illegally into the country. Even early-stage activities—such as downloading route maps or researching small boat crossings—can now be treated as evidence of criminal intent. According to the NCA, these powers could significantly speed up investigations that once took months or years.
The act also makes it easier for officers to access mobile phone data from illegal migrants, helping them gather crucial intelligence to identify and arrest smugglers. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood welcomed the legislation, stating that the government is determined to restore order at the border and stop criminals exploiting vulnerable people.
NCA Director General of Operations Rob Jones noted that around 100 investigations into organised immigration crime are currently underway. He confirmed that his teams will actively use the new measures to intervene earlier and dismantle criminal operations.
The act introduces several new criminal offences, including supplying or handling small boat parts, researching smuggling routes, producing hidden compartments in vehicles, promoting illegal migration online, and endangering lives during small boat crossings. Offenders could now face penalties ranging from five to fourteen years in prison. Additionally, foreign nationals convicted of sexual offences will no longer receive protection under the Refugee Convention.
The legislation also formally establishes the UK Border Security Command, led by Commander Martin Hewitt, who said the new powers will help authorities “go further and faster” to target criminal networks. Recent government data shows a 33% increase in arrests, convictions, and asset seizures related to smuggling. Nearly 900 smuggling organisations have been dismantled, and close to 4,000 immigration crime disruptions have been recorded.
These measures complement the Home Secretary’s wider plans to increase removals and deportations as part of the most extensive reforms to illegal migration in recent decades.
