The two governments have signed a three-year agreement aimed at combating illegal immigration networks and human trafficking. Most of the funds will go toward increasing the number of personnel — around 1,400 officers — patrolling the English Channel coast.
In addition, Paris will create an extra specialized police unit. To monitor the 200-kilometer coastline, authorities plan to expand the use of drones and helicopters.
Special attention will be given to tackling so-called “taxi boats” — inflatable vessels that smugglers typically use to pick up migrants along the coast. Another $216 million will be paid if the system proves effective.
Human rights activists have already spoken out against the initiative. According to them, increasing police patrols will only lead to more deaths during attempts to cross the English Channel. Activists have called for addressing the root causes of migration instead.
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