On Friday, February 13, 2026, Suffolk Police and Home Office immigration officers carried out a joint operation in Ipswich, Suffolk, which saw four people arrested or detained. The day of action was part of an effort to identify illegal working and protect vulnerable people from potential exploitation.
The arrests took place as part of the Maple Together initiative, which focuses on tackling serious and organised crime in the Maple Park area. This project is a community-led partnership designed to help remove criminal groups from local neighbourhoods and prevent them from returning.
According to Suffolk Police, this work follows a similar operation held one week earlier in Brandon and Mildenhall, where authorities targeted cash-intensive businesses suspected of involvement in exploitation. Businesses found to be employing staff illegally during these checks can face Civil Penalty Referral Notices of up to £60,000.
Recent figures show that immigration offences in the East of England have risen significantly, with recorded cases reaching 610 in 2025—a 1318% increase since 2021. Residents may see an increase in police patrols as authorities continue to carry out targeted welfare checks and address local safety concerns.
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