Kent Police have increased patrols along the coast after a record number of migrants were intercepted crossing the English Channel. At least 227 people were stopped over two days, with 145 on Friday alone—the highest daily total recorded.
Border Force officials reported that those detained were Iranian, Iraqi, Kuwaiti, Syrian, and Afghan nationals. On Friday, 51 people were found on a single inflatable boat. Saturday saw 82 more detained, including 70 on inflatable boats and 12 men discovered at Dungeness.
Home Secretary Priti Patel linked the rise in crossings to the Covid-19 lockdown, which began on 23 March. Since then, at least 609 migrants have been intercepted. French authorities prevented 44 people from crossing during the same period.
Clare Moseley of Care4Calais said the conditions in French refugee camps have worsened due to the pandemic, driving people to risk the crossing. Minister for immigration compliance Chris Philp called the increase 'totally unacceptable' and vowed to target smugglers.
