UK Conducts Largest Single Flight Deporting 16 Illegal Immigrants to France Under Returns Deal

Sixteen individuals who entered the UK illegally were returned to France in the largest single deportation flight under a new bilateral agreement, bringing the total deported to 42. This "one-in, one-out" treaty between the UK and France aims to deter dangerous Channel crossings, with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasizing that illegal migrants entering by small boat can be sent back and pledging to scale up removals. Despite these efforts, crossings remain high, with over 36,000 people making the journey so far this year—a roughly one-third increase compared to the same point in 2024—and recent weekend crossings potentially pushing the annual total above last year's 36,816. Border security officials acknowledge the challenge and time required to dismantle smuggling networks but remain committed to the current plan. The deportations follow continued small boat crossings, underscoring ongoing migration pressures despite government deterrents. Officials and ministers are focused on both enforcement and addressing upstream causes to secure the UK border.