Leaders have called for tougher action after a series of businesses were fined for employing illegal workers.
The calls follow multiple arrests and financial penalties issued to businesses in Ipswich and across Suffolk over the past 18 months.
Ipswich borough councillor Ian Fisher said more needs to be done to address the issue.
Cllr Fisher said: "Whilst it is positive that illegal workers have been arrested across Ipswich in the past 18 months, far more needs to be done to end the scourge of businesses employing illegal workers.
"The fact that so many find it easy to find work in the 'grey' economy is a major pull factor for immigrants coming to the UK and needs to stop.
"The employment of illegal workers distorts the economy and gives an advantage to those unscrupulous businesses that take advantage of this.
"If a business that is caught breaking the law, does not pay the fines levied upon it, then they should be closed down.
"That would give a strong message to others considering doing the same.
"If we do nothing, then realistically we are punishing those businesses that choose to follow the rules."
The issue of illegal working has been frequent in the town, with arrests and penalties issued to businesses.
In March 2025, this paper revealed Vilson Car Wash in Woodbridge Road was fined £80,000 for employing illegal workers.
Three months later the Star reported, a multi-agency operation involving Suffolk Police, Home Office Immigration Enforcement and Trading Standards led to three businesses in Norwich Road, Ipswich, being fined for employing illegal workers.
Officers also seized counterfeit tobacco and illegal vapes during the operation.
In October 2025, T&M Courier Ltd, based in Darter Close, Ipswich, was fined £45,000 after a government investigation found it had employed an illegal worker.
Enforcement activity increased in 2026, with Suffolk Police revealing in January that three immigration arrests had been made during joint operations in Ipswich.
A further crackdown in May resulted in three more arrests and civil penalties totalling £135,000.
The Manor at Pinewood restaurant in Ipswich was fined £45,000 that same month for employing an illegal worker.
In July 2026, eight people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences during modern slavery and welfare checks at two warehouses in Ipswich.
Business owners were warned they could face fines of up to £60,000 for each illegal worker identified.
Ipswich Bazaar, formerly based in Carr Street, was also fined after a Home Office operation led to the arrest of a worker suspected of breaching immigration conditions.
In September 2026 we revealed, Chequers Indian Lounge near Ipswich was fined £45,000 after a worker was found to have breached immigration conditions.
Ipswich borough councillor David Plowman said the law is clear and must be enforced.
Cllr Plowman said: "The law on employing illegal workers is clear and should always be enforced.
"It is good that the local police have dealt with the people who are exploiting the desperation of others.
"Exploiters should be convicted whilst ensuring that the victims of these crimes are dealt with appropriately.
"Nobody should be made to work illegally.
"Modern slavery is an issue in many business sectors in Ipswich and Suffolk.
"It is the perpetrators we should oppose not the victims."
Neil MacDonald, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, welcomed the enforcement action.
He said: "I welcome the Home Office’s enforcement action on illegal workers.
"Tackling this problem provides a level playing field for legitimate and law-abiding businesses in Ipswich."
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