Migrant Channel Crossing: French Police Fail to Stop Overcrowded Dinghy

Migrant Channel Crossing: French Police Inaction Raises Concerns Dunkirk, France – ITV News captured footage of a large group of migrants attempting a perilous crossing of the English Channel from Dunkirk, France, on Tuesday morning, May 13, 2025. The video shows dozens of people, including families and children, crowding onto an inflatable dinghy, a scene that raises serious questions about border security. The incident occurred in plain sight of French police officers, who did not intervene until after the boat had set off. "It's brazen," said an ITV News reporter on the scene. "They're picking up even more passengers right in front of the coast guard." The reporter also noted the cries of frightened children as they embarked on the dangerous journey. The video underscores the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in preventing these crossings and the risks taken by migrants themselves. The lack of immediate police intervention raises questions about the effectiveness of current border control measures. The French police arrived only after the boat had left the shore, according to the footage. The incident highlights the urgent need for cooperation between countries to address the complex issues surrounding migration and border security. The video concludes with the migrants successfully departing and the French police arriving on the scene.