National Crime Agency doubles officers to cut Channel crossings
Home Office reports 43% drop in small boat arrivals compared with same period last year
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The number of National Crime Agency officers targeting organised immigration crime has risen to nearly 800 since January 2025. The increase, from 376 officers, was announced during Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s visit to Dover on Sunday.
Burnham toured the joint command room in Dover, where National Crime Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Border Security Command officers monitor crossings using surveillance drones. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood visited the NCA’s headquarters in Stratford on the same day.
Burnham doubles NCA officers as small boat arrivals fall 43% in 2026
Prime Minister visits Dover after 326 migrants cross Channel in one day, bringing total since 20 July to 2,057
Seizures and crossings
Since Labour took office in 2024, more than 1,000 small boats or engines have been seized. The Home Office reported 326 migrants arrived in four boats on Saturday, bringing the total since Burnham became Prime Minister to 2,057.
The provisional total for small boat crossings this year stands at 14,526. This is 43% lower than the 25,436 recorded by the same point last year, and 14% lower than the 16,903 recorded in 2024. The Home Office attributes fluctuations to weather conditions, with peaks during warmer months.
Four Migrants Die in Channel Crossing Incidents
Deaths occurred Thursday following busiest day of the year for crossings, with 752 arriving Wednesday.
““There is more to be done, but this Government is restoring control at our border.””
Shabana Mahmood, Home Secretary
Burnham acknowledged progress on Friday, stating that measures introduced by Mahmood had “started to make a difference”. He added that while crossings were down and removals up, further action was needed.
What happens next
The government has not announced further policy changes. The Home Office continues to monitor crossings, with enforcement operations ongoing. No date has been set for the next official update on small boat arrivals.
Questions this report answers
+How many officers does the National Crime Agency now have tackling small boat crossings?
The National Crime Agency has increased its officers tackling organised immigration crime to nearly 800 since January 2025. This is up from 376 officers at the start of the year, as reported by the Home Office.
+How many small boats have been seized since Labour came to power?
More than 1,000 small boats or engines have been seized since Labour took office in 2024. The Home Office provided this figure as part of its enforcement efforts against smuggling gangs.
+How many migrants have crossed the Channel in small boats this year?
The provisional total for small boat crossings this year is 14,526. This is 43% lower than the same period last year, according to Home Office data released on Sunday.
+What has the government said about the drop in crossings?
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said measures introduced by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood have “started to make a difference”. He acknowledged progress but stated more work is needed to reduce crossings further.
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