Northern France, particularly the areas surrounding Calais and Dunkirk, is once again at the center of a growing humanitarian and security crisis. With summer approaching, the warmer weather has triggered a new wave of small boat Channel crossings, drawing thousands of migrants to France’s northern coastline. However, the region has not only become a launch point for asylum seekers hoping to reach the UK—it has also become a battleground for violent migrant gangs.
This year, the crisis has taken a darker turn. As rival criminal networks vie for dominance over the lucrative human smuggling routes, violence has erupted in makeshift camps and urban areas. What was once a migration issue has now evolved into a full-blown public safety emergency, with ramifications reaching across borders and policy agendas.
Surge in Migrant Arrivals via Small Boats
Latest Channel Crossing Statistics
So far in 2025, more than 9,000 migrants have attempted to cross the English Channel in small boats—an increase of over 30% compared to the same period in 2024. These figures, reported by multiple border agencies, illustrate how persistent and adaptable smuggling networks have become, despite international crackdowns.
Several factors contribute to this spike: ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East, deteriorating conditions in transit countries like Libya, and the belief that Britain offers better asylum processing and welfare conditions. Combined with the seasonal advantage of calmer waters, this creates a perfect storm for increased migration attempts.
Asylum Seekers’ Journey to Northern France
Most migrants arriving in northern France have already undertaken treacherous journeys through multiple countries. Many come through Italy or the Balkans, while others are trafficked across the Mediterranean. Northern France, particularly towns like Calais, becomes a final frontier before the last stretch to the UK.
The problem is compounded by the lack of legal and humanitarian infrastructure in these areas. Camps are often built haphazardly, with no formal services or safety measures. This volatile environment, densely packed with desperate individuals and dominated by criminal influence, is a breeding ground for violence.
Escalation of Gang Violence in Migrant Camps
Territorial Clashes Among Smugglers
According to a detailed report by the Global Initiative, Kurdish and Albanian smuggling gangs are the dominant players in the region. These networks not only transport migrants but also fight fiercely over territory and control.
Violent brawls, machete attacks, and even shootings have been reported, with several incidents caught on camera and shared online. In one particularly harrowing case earlier this month, four migrants were hospitalized after a clash between rival gangs in a forest near Dunkirk.
Migrants, caught in the middle, are often extorted or physically threatened to use specific smugglers. For many, the cost of passage—ranging from €2,000 to €5,000—comes with no guarantee of safety or success.
Law Enforcement’s Struggle to Maintain Order
French police units, already stretched thin, are struggling to maintain order. While authorities conduct periodic raids to dismantle camps and arrest gang leaders, the results have been largely temporary. Smugglers adapt quickly—relocating operations or recruiting replacements.
Moreover, law enforcement faces criticism for not adequately distinguishing between migrants and criminals during crackdowns. This has further strained relations between migrants and police, making community policing nearly impossible.
