An operation in Cumbria this year led to the arrest of 12 individuals following a surge in immigration enforcement activity. A total of 393 arrests have already been made in 2026 as part of a broader effort to tackle illegal working in all sectors. Alan Bushnell, immigration enforcement and compliance lead for the North West, said: "Our enforcement activity continues day in, day out, across the North West. "We want our communities to know we are cracking down on this illegal activity and ensuring businesses play by the rules." The home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: "Illegal working undercuts honest workers and legal businesses.