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Nine arrested as West Midlands raids target illegal workers Arrests as West Midlands raids target illegal workers
(32 minutes later)
More than 20 people have been arrested over the course of two daysMore than 20 people have been arrested over the course of two days
More than 20 people have been arrested after immigration raids across the West Midlands.More than 20 people have been arrested after immigration raids across the West Midlands.
Delivery drivers suspected of working illegally were targeted by officers in Birmingham, Coventry and Hereford, the Home Office said.Delivery drivers suspected of working illegally were targeted by officers in Birmingham, Coventry and Hereford, the Home Office said.
Images showed enforcement agents apprehending two men at New Street railway station on Wednesday, as people were stopped for allegedly using modified e-bikes.Images showed enforcement agents apprehending two men at New Street railway station on Wednesday, as people were stopped for allegedly using modified e-bikes.
It comes amid a crackdown on undocumented workers operating in the so-called gig economy, as well as places like car washes, construction sites and nail bars.It comes amid a crackdown on undocumented workers operating in the so-called gig economy, as well as places like car washes, construction sites and nail bars.
The two-day operation saw 21 foreign nationals taken into custody for a range of immigration offences, the government added.The two-day operation saw 21 foreign nationals taken into custody for a range of immigration offences, the government added.
They included people from Eritrea, Guinea, Italy, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Bangladesh.They included people from Eritrea, Guinea, Italy, India, Pakistan, Vietnam and Bangladesh.
All of them now face being deported from the UK.All of them now face being deported from the UK.
The government says tackling illegal immigration is a priorityThe government says tackling illegal immigration is a priority
Matthew Foster, who leads on immigration in the West Midlands, said illegal working was undercutting legitimate businesses and allowing vulnerable people to be exploited.Matthew Foster, who leads on immigration in the West Midlands, said illegal working was undercutting legitimate businesses and allowing vulnerable people to be exploited.
"Those who choose to break the law by working illegally or employing illegal workers should expect to be caught and face the consequences," he said."Those who choose to break the law by working illegally or employing illegal workers should expect to be caught and face the consequences," he said.
The enforcement activity comes after ministers promised to get tough on illegal migration to "protect UK borders".The enforcement activity comes after ministers promised to get tough on illegal migration to "protect UK borders".
Plans have included a focus on food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat to prevent illegal working.Plans have included a focus on food delivery companies such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat to prevent illegal working.
In June, the companies agreed to strengthen security checks following reports some asylum seekers were working illegally as couriers.In June, the companies agreed to strengthen security checks following reports some asylum seekers were working illegally as couriers.
Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.