The SecureBordersUK account on , through which the government uploads videos of deportations, has caused a lot of backlash.
With the slogan “Restoring order and control to our borders”, the videos are accompanied by dramatic music, turning the “brutality” into “clickbait”, as some have commented.
The first 20-second video shows people being handcuffed onto planes, as well as raids to arrest illegal workers. “And it’s only the beginning” is the message.
@securebordersuk Restoring order and control to UK borders. #Immigration #UKImmigration #Politics #UKPolitics #UKNews ♬ original sound – Secure Borders UK
The numbers
The government has said the bill aims to tackle online misinformation and deter people from attempting the dangerous Channel crossing.
The figures it has released show record levels of arrests and enforcement related to illegal work since records began in 2019.
In 2025, 12,791 checks were carried out, a 57% increase compared to 8,122 in 2024, in businesses such as nail salons, car washes, barbershops and take away shops.
Arrests also hit a record high, with 8,971 last year, up almost 59% on 5,647 in 2024, which was the previous high in figures released by the Home Office. Of those arrested, 1,087 people have so far been removed from the UK.
“Unfortunate Communication Trick”
Interior Minister Shabana Mahmoud said: “There is no place for illegal work in our communities. That’s why we’ve stepped up our enforcement actions to the highest level in British history so that illegal immigrants in the black economy have nowhere to hide.”
For his part, Chris Phillip, shadow home secretary, said: “This is another pathetic communication trick that will not work. The idea that a few TikTok posts will stop illegal immigrants is ridiculous, as is the government’s previous ‘gang busting’ ploy.”
