Quads, 4x4s and cameras to counter illegal crossings in the north of France

No more mobile vehicles, quads, 4x4s on the beaches of the north coast. No more zodiacs in the Channel to intercept migrants, no more thermal cameras and night vision equipment to spot the slightest movement on the beaches and in the dunes of Calais, Grande-Synthe, Dunkirk… The French Minister of the Interior , Gérald Darmanin, announced Monday, November 22 new means for the police and the gendarmes to fight against illegal immigration on the coasts of the Channel. The goal: to secure the coastal strip which stretches over 130 km, from Dunkirk to the Bay of Somme.

For a total of 11 million euros, and “as part of a cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom”, more than 100 vehicles will be delivered over the next year. As many materials “equipped with means of surveillance and sophisticated detection”, writes the ministry. For the time being, only “20 vehicles have already been delivered and used by the forces on a daily basis” in the north of France.

“To these mobile means will be added modern and efficient night vision equipment, thermal cameras, 300 lamps, 160 tactical lighting projectors, means of interception and communication, but also clothing effects”, can we still read in the press release from the Interior. “These materials will also be delivered during the year 2022 and made available to the forces gradually, upon receipt”.

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Umpteenth discussion between London and Paris

The issue of migrant crossings has long been the subject of discussions between France and the United Kingdom. In 2021 alone, the two countries have spoken at least three times about it. In June, Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone. The British Prime Minister had insisted to the French President on the “need to redouble efforts to deter migrants” from crossing the Channel.

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A month later, in July, Gérald Darmanin and his British counterpart, Priti Patel, had met. Once again, they reiterated their desire to strengthen the surveillance of the French coasts. In addition, the United Kingdom had committed “to a financial investment of 62.7 million euros in 2021-22 to support France” and develop the means to fight against irregular immigration. A joint declaration also referred to the establishment, “in the long term”, of a “smart border” along the coast, with surveillance technology “to better detect attempts to cross”.

Record crossings

Last year, same meetings, same discussions. In November 2020, London and Paris had signed an agreement to – once again – try to stop the Channel crossings. Applied from December 1, 2020, it had already enabled the doubling of the strength of French patrols “supported by drones and radars to identify those who attempt the crossing,” Minister Priti Patel said.

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And even in 2019, talks were already in place. Each time, the two powers have put in place strategies of joint action with millions of euros. In vain. Because the numbers are not weakening. On the contrary, the Channel crossings are experiencing a marked rebound this year. According to the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, 29,360 people tried to reach England by sea between January and the end of September, against 8,404 last year. About 22,000 managed to reach the British coasts.