Britain's TikTok Tactic: Tough Talk on Immigration

The British government has jumped onto TikTok to showcase its tough stance on immigration. The new account, securebordersuk, shares short clips of raids on businesses suspected of hiring illegal workers. These videos feature dramatic scenes of officers breaking down doors, people being handcuffed, and planes taking off, all set to intense music and bold text highlighting the increase in raids and deportations. The message is clear: the government is cracking down hard. This move comes as the Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, struggles to regain public support. Polls show that voters are worried about immigration, and the right-wing Reform UK party is gaining ground on this issue. The government hopes that by using TikTok, they can reach a broader audience and counter false information about their immigration policies.Since taking office in July 2024, the government claims to have conducted more raids and made more arrests than ever before. Businesses like nail salons, car washes, and barbershops have been targeted. The black market economy is seen as a major draw for illegal immigrants, many of whom risk their lives crossing the English Channel in small boats from France. However, not everyone is impressed with the TikTok strategy. Critics argue that the videos are more about scoring political points than solving the immigration crisis. Some say the government should focus on more effective solutions, while others believe the videos are insensitive to the people affected by these raids. The debate over immigration is heating up, especially as public services are cut and taxes rise. Illegal arrivals by boat have become a major issue, with over 40, 000 people arriving in 2025. Despite this, illegal arrivals make up only a small part of Britain's overall immigration, which is actually decreasing due to stricter visa rules.