UK powers to seize phones from migrants without arrest come into force

A new law allows authorities to seize mobile phones and SIM cards from migrants without arrest; the Home Office says seizures will begin at the Manston processing centre to gather intelligence on people‑smuggling networks.

New powers allowing mobile phones and SIM cards to be taken from people arriving in the UK without an arrest have come into force. The Home Office says the measures are intended to gather intelligence on people‑smuggling networks that organise small‑boat Channel crossings. Seizures are due to begin at the Manston migrant processing centre in Kent, where equipment is in place to extract data from devices. Key points: - The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act has taken effect and includes powers to seize phones and SIMs from migrants without requiring an arrest. - The Home Office has announced that seizures will start at the Manston processing centre and that extracted data could assist investigations into smuggling gangs. - The law also creates new criminal offences, including penalties of up to 14 years for storing or supplying boat engines and up to five years for some preparatory activity by smugglers. - Officials say more than 4,000 disruptions against smuggling networks have been carried out since mid‑2024, and 41,472 people crossed the Channel in 2025. Summary: The government says the new powers are intended to speed investigations into organised people‑smuggling and that operational use will begin at Manston. The legislation also introduces new offences with substantial maximum sentences. Wider changes to the asylum system have been announced by the Home Secretary, but details and implementation timelines are undetermined at this time.