500% increase in immigration arrests on the Isle of Man

Due to targeted activity rather than increased criminality 

There has been a 500 percent increase in arrests for immigration related offences on the Isle of Man.

Data, published in the Chief Constable’s Annual Report, shows there were 12 between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

There were only two arrests in the previous year.

The report, which will go before Tynwald in July, also confirms the number of investigations started also increased from 104 to 119.

The jump has been attributed to a ‘continued focus’ at the Island’s entry points and the creation of a dedicated Immigration Compliance Team.

Working closely with the Ports Unit and Customs and Immigration the team undertakes proactive enforcement and investigations into abuse of the immigration system.

Ninety-one investigations were started at the Sea Terminal which represents a 65.5 percent increase compared to the 12 months prior.

“Securing the Island’s entry points remains a high impact and cost-effective means of preventing harm, disrupting organised crime and protecting Island’s communities.” Chief Constable Russ Foster

Chief Constable Russ Foster says the increase in arrests is therefore attributed to targeted operational activity rather than increased criminality.

He says securing the Island’s entry ports remains a ‘critical component’ of the Isle of Man Constabulary’s response to:

• serious and organised crime
• protecting Island from importation of illicit goods
• criminal finances
• individuals who pose a risk to public safety

He adds that during the year ‘considerable progress’ has been made in strengthening border security.

This is through enhanced co-location of services, improved intelligence sharing and a more integrated intelligence-led and enforcement operating model.

The approach has addressed ‘historic vulnerabilities’ that had previously been exploited by organised crime groups including those involved in immigration crime and cross-border criminality.

Port Unit officers now have access to the police crime and intelligence system, automatic number plate recognition, the driver and vehicle application service and passenger manifest data.

Resources to enhance the security of entry points have been funded through the Seized Asset Fund which expires on 31 March 2027.

The Isle of Man Constabulary says a further business case will be submitted to government as an ‘invest to save’ initiative so it can continue to secure the Island’s entry points.

You can read the full Chief Constable's Annual Report by clicking HERE.