French authorities have detained two British nationals suspected of traveling to northern France to support a banned far-right protest targeting migrants. The arrests took place near Calais, a key coastal area where many migrants attempt to cross the English Channel to the United Kingdom.
According to local officials, the two men were broadcasting live videos from the French coast before they were taken into custody on Sunday evening. François-Xavier Lauch, the prefect of Pas-de-Calais, confirmed that the arrests were linked to concerns about anti-migrant activities in the region.
Prosecutor Cécile Gressier in Boulogne-sur-Mer said the men, aged 35 and 53, were detained on suspicion of inciting hatred and being part of a group preparing possible violent actions. The investigation is based mainly on comments and content shared on social media. She noted that this is the first time British far-right activists have been arrested in France on such charges, though they are not accused of physically attacking anyone.
Police sources said the men were streaming material on YouTube that could encourage hatred. However, they were not among the 10 British far-right activists who have been officially banned from entering France since mid-January over fears of violent actions against migrants in the north.
Immigration has become a major political issue in both France and the United Kingdom. Many migrants try to reach Britain by crossing the Channel in small boats, often with the help of smuggling networks. This situation has increased tensions and drawn attention from political groups on both sides of the border.
French authorities recently banned an anti-migrant rally known as “Overlord,” which was promoted online by British far-right activist Daniel Thomas. He had called for gatherings in Dover, England, and along the northern French coast, claiming French officials were failing to stop irregular crossings.
Despite the ban, Thomas shared photos and videos on social media that he said were taken on French beaches. In the images, he appears with a small group of men dressed in dark clothing and holding British flags. French officials say Thomas leads a very radical branch of a group called “Raise the Colours,” which split from the main movement after a French entry ban was introduced.
Thomas, who says he is already banned from entering France, has not been arrested so far, according to the prefecture. Meanwhile, the main Raise the Colours account on X distanced itself from the operation, saying it had no connection with the actions led by Thomas.
The arrests highlight growing concern among French authorities about foreign activists trying to involve themselves in migration issues along the Channel coast. Officials say they are determined to prevent any actions that could increase tensions or put migrants and local communities at risk.
What are the two men accused of?
They are suspected of inciting hatred online and being linked to a group that may have been preparing violent actions, based on their social media activity.