French police prevent 185 small boat Channel crossings in three months

In a three-month period, French police successfully intercepted 185 small boats attempting unauthorized crossings of the English Channel, according to figures released by the UK's Home Office. The intercepted boats contained equipment, including engines and lifejackets, and transported 4,300 migrants. The UK and France agreed to a three-year deal in April to combat people smuggling, with the UK committing to pay France £660 million ($891 million) based on results.

During the interception, French police officers confronted migrants, used pepper spray, and even slashed the hull of a boat. The Home Office reported that 61 percent of all small boat events were prevented during this period, a 5 percent increase compared to the same time frame in 2025. Charlie Eastaugh, director of maritime and small boats at Border Security Command, emphasized the UK and France's efforts to pressure criminal gangs and prevent dangerous crossings.

The French police also intercepted 12 taxi boats operated by human-trafficking gangs, which pick up migrants at designated spots before attempting the crossing. Despite a 40 percent annual decrease in illegal migrant crossings, smugglers have adapted by cramming more people onto each boat, as seen with 230 migrants on a large dinghy.

If elected, the right-wing party Reform UK plans to intercept boats crossing the Channel and return migrants to French ports, even if France disagrees. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that the UK-France deal has already stopped over 47,000 crossing attempts since July 2024, with the new agreement already having a significant impact on preventing crossings and disrupting criminal gangs' operations.