The United Kingdom has announced that law enforcement agencies will now be allowed to seize electronic devices from migrants without making an apprehension, a move that could affect Kenyan nationals living unlawfully in the European Nation.
In a statement on Monday, January 5, the UK Home Office said that mobile phones and SIM cards are among devices the law enforcement agencies will be targeting during the crackdown.
The seizures kicked off on Monday, January 5, at the Manston migrant processing center in Kent, according to the office.
According to reports, police, the National Crime Agency (NCA), as well as other Immigration Enforcement officers, will target these devices during vehicle searches and raids on properties, before apprehend.
The move will boon the ongoing efforts to apprehend people spearheading smuggling networks, through intelligence gathering, according to the UK government.
The Home Office also indicated that they have deployed sufficient technology to download intelligence from the devices.
"Law enforcement agencies now have the power to seize electronic devices like mobile phones and SIM cards from unlawful migrants without requiring an apprehend," a UK Home Office statement read.
"This will enable the police to gather intelligence on people-smugglers so they can be apprehended at the earliest opportunity," it added.
Reports from the UK's media houses claim that the enforcement agents might also require individuals who have crossed migration channels using "small boats" to remove their outer coats, jackets, and conduct a search inside an individual's mouth for hidden SIM cards.
The Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, indicated that the authorities will only return the devices depending on what kind of information is found in them.
"If people have devices that could hold intelligence, then we are right to be able to seize that. But that doesn't take away compassion," he said.
Months earlier, the UK also threatened to suspend visas for countries which fail to cooperate in taking back their nationals who are denied the right to remain in the country.
The UK's newly appointed Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood confirmed the developments during a meeting of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance in London, which includes officials from the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Mahmood emphasised that her top priority was securing the UK's borders, particularly in light of the recent hike in unlawful migration through small boat crossings.
