French authorities begin intercepting migrant small boats in English Channel
French authorities have begun intercepting small migrant boats in the English Channel to curb crossings to England. This new maritime intervention policy allows the gendarmerie to take action against boats, which was previously avoided due to safety concerns. The aim is to disrupt organized crossings that have seen over 6,000 migrants reach England since the start of 2026.
- ▪More than 6,000 migrants have crossed to England in small boats since January 2026.
- ▪France's new policy allows for the interception of small boats in the Channel.
- ▪The approach aims to disrupt taxi-boat crossings that account for over half of departures.
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Officers from the Police nationale monitor the beach at Gravelines as migrants prepare to cross the English Channel. At Gravelines, northern France, March 3, 2026. SAMEER AL-DOUMY / AFP More than 6,000 people have reached England in small inflatable boats since the beginning of 2026. The number of crossings remains high, even as France has changed its maritime intervention policy to curb migrant departures to England. The new approach, according to a confidential document dated November 25, 2025, allows France's maritime gendarmerie to intercept small boats, a practice previously excluded in the Channel due to the risk of capsizing and drowning.
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