NEWS EXCLUSIVE: IMMIGRATION OFFICERS MAKE FOUR ARRESTS AT HAMPTON WICK CAR WASH
Four Indian nationals described by the Home Office as ‘male overstayers’ were arrested by Immigration Enforcement officers during a major operation at Hampton Wick Car Wash, it was confirmed today.
In a statement to Teddington Town, a Home Office spokesperson said:
“On 19/05/2025 Immigration Enforcement officers attended Hampton Wick Car Wash, located at 7–11 Upper Teddington Road, Hampton Wick, KT1 4DL.
“Upon entry, several individuals were observed fleeing the property.
“These individuals were apprehended by Immigration Officers at the scene.
“A total of four Indian nationals, all identified as male overstayers, were arrested.
“They have been detained pending removal from the United Kingdom.”
The spokesperson added:”Organised Immigration Crime is a multi-million pound industry, which stretches from the trafficking routes thousands of miles away through which people are brought to our country to the high streets across Britain where many of those people end up working illegally.
“As part of our Plan for Change, this government is cracking down on that criminal industry at every level, including stepping up our visits to businesses, such as car washes, where illegal working is taking place and increasing our enforcement action both against illegal workers and the people who employ them.”
Drivers and bus passengers were shocked to see the immigration law enforcement vehicles and police officers blocking the front of Hampton Wick car wash yesterday morning.
At least four police vehicles including detention vans were positioned at the front of the popular car wash premises preventing entrance and exit.
Teddington Town understands that the ‘raid’ was in connection with student visas which were checked.
One eyewitness said: “There was a massive police presence outside the car wash with one vehicle which had the words Immigration Enforcement on the side. It was obviously a big deal with police officers wearing protective gear.”
The angry car wash owner said: “Why do the police and these people waste their time on businesses like our when there’s real crime going on out there with no police action at all.”