Hundreds of riot officers deployed to French beaches to track down illegal migrants and stop small boat crossings

Two new specialist units have been set up on French beaches to tackle illegal migrants and people smugglers trying to reach British shores.

As part of the deal between France and the UK, a dedicated riot unit is now operational in Northern France to prevent small boat crossings and track down illegal migrants, as well as the Compagnie de Marche.

The new deployment marks a continued effort from countries to tackle the migrant crisis, with dozens of boats and engines seized in Germany, preventing more than 2000 from making their way to British shores.

Those raids were completed as part of a joint effort from the National Crime Agency as well as the German Federal Police, and the French National Police’s people-smuggling units.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said in a statement: “Working in lockstep with our closest partners is the only way to make real progress in tackling the shared challenge of illegal migration.

“These elite units are just one element of the landmark deal between our countries that is taking our collaboration to the next level.

“Operations like this meant that almost half of all attempted crossings were halted by the French last month - so we're boosting them further to continue to drive down crossings.”

Compagnie de Marche officers will work alongside drone, plane and camera surveillance systems to break up launch attempts, seize equipment, and stop migrants before they reach the Channel to cross to the UK.

The policing unit comprises 75 officers, with more joining in the warmer summer months.

They aim to use public order powers to deal with violence on French beaches and allow more patrols across the coast.

The specialised team will be deployed on specific days and to areas where more attempts will be made to cross the Channel.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, said: “We are putting the pressure exactly where it needs to be – on French beaches, targeting the criminal gangs and stopping launches before they can happen.

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“The Compagnie de Marche has already played a significant role in preventing illegal crossings.

“With these officers surged across the summer months, alongside the deployment of a new specialist riot unit, we are going even further to restore order and control at our borders.”

The agreement between the UK and France will see £500million invested to strengthen enforcement on beaches in northern France, with a further £160million available based on the effectiveness of new tactics to stop illegal migration.

The deal is set to increase law enforcement numbers by 40 per cent to crackdown on small boat crossings.

Last week prosecutors secured the first sentences for small boat pilots under the Government’s Border Security Act.

Mohammad Tajik, an Afghan national, was sentenced to two years at Canterbury Crown Court for endangering others during a sea crossing and entering the UK illegally.

Alnour Mohamed Ali, a Sudanese national, was also sentenced to two years and three months on the same offence.

Since the general election in 2024, Labour confirmed they have removed over 70,000 illegal migrants, which include thousands of voluntary returns.

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