Self-described "migrant hunters" have clashed with French police on France's northern coast while trying to prevent migrants from boarding small boats bound for the UK — the latest flashpoint in an escalating hard-right campaign along the English Channel. The confrontation comes after France barred ten British citizens from entering the country over similar boat-hunting operations.
What Happened on the French Coast
The militants, who describe themselves on social media as going "migrant hunting," engaged in skirmishes with French police while attempting to stop migrants boarding boats. The group says it travels in a "battle bus" fitted with reinforced windows — nicknamed the "Mig Hunter" — and funds its trips through monetized Instagram and YouTube channels.
Members identified by The Times include YouTuber Anthony Barnes, known online as "Ay Audits," who was banned from Surrey after the post-Epping protests last year; Dec Lea, a Patriot Platform leader from Manchester; and Ashley Griffith, a YouTuber and charity football player. The group previously stirred protests in Gosport by publishing footage of migrants departing France — though none of those filmed actually landed in the Hampshire town.
France's Crackdown: Ten Britons Banned
The latest clash follows France's January 2026 decision to ban ten British nationals — identified as militants of the far-right "Raise the Colours" movement — from entering or staying in France. The Interior Ministry said the group hunted for and destroyed small boats used on the migration route, calling their activities a potential threat to public order.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has condemned the vigilantes for interfering with police: "Rule of law is non-negotiable; actions that are violent in nature or incite hatred have no place on our territory." Meanwhile, far-right activist Daniel Thomas, who calls himself "Danny Tommo," pleaded not guilty last month to criminal damage relating to an incident in which a boat was slashed in the English Channel.
Two Sides, No Middle Ground
The activists claim they are defending borders that authorities have failed to secure — pointing to more than 41,000 small-boat crossings in 2025, the highest since 2022. Raise the Colours has denounced France's ban as "absolutely disgraceful," insisting its activities have been peaceful and legal. Critics call them dangerous vigilantes sabotaging boats, inciting hatred, and getting in the way of police.
Cross-Channel migration remains a thorn in relations between Britain and France — and with both governments under pressure, the next confrontation on those beaches may already be scheduled.
Watch: The Times' video report on the migrant hunters clashing with French police.
Music in this post's reel: Kevin MacLeod - Hitman (incompetech.com), licensed under CC BY 3.0
Sources: The Times · SRN News (AP) · Anews (AP)