Thread: Holland deploys army after spike in illegal immigrants crossing to UK

Holland deploys army after spike in illegal immigrants crossing to UK

Almost 500 illegal migrants have been stopped heading for Britain from Dutch ports – as many as were apprehended in the whole of 2015
CREDIT: LAURENT VILLERET FOR THE TELEGRAPH

Senay Boztas, amsterdam 6 JUNE 2016 • 4:12PM

The Dutch have deployed soldiers to check lorries headed to the UK on ferries from the Netherlands, after new figures revealed increasing numbers of illegal migrants trying to cross.

Dutch paper De Telegraaf reported on Monday that in the first four months of the year, almost 500 illegal migrants have been stopped heading for Britain from Dutch ports – as many as were apprehended in the whole of 2015.

In response to the growth of illegal migrants, it has emerged that 32 Dutch soldiers are now reinforcing security at the ports of Europoort, Hook of Holland and IJmuiden until at least October 1.

A spokesman for the Dutch royal military police, responsible for border controls, confirmed that the numbers of migrants headed for the UK are an increasing problem.

A migrant sits under the trailer of a lorry as he attempts to cross the English Channel, in Calais, northern France CREDIT: AP

He told The Daily Telegraph: “We always check for illegal migrants at the ports, and since February we have asked for the support of the military to help check lorries.

“The figures have been brought out by the ministry of security and justice. More and more illegal migrants have been caught in the last few years.”

In recent months, the military police have asked for more resources to deal with the growing problem. It has had most success with four sniffer dogs, which run alongside trucks and stop when they smell people.

Lieutenant Maarten Knol, of the military police, told De Telegraaf: “This is currently the best we have. But we need them all of the time, and that cannot happen. The dogs need rest, and also need to be used at the Hook of Holland as well as Europoort [in Rotterdam].”

Most of the migrants – around 220 – this year reportedly came from Albania, 110 from Afghanistan, and the rest from other countries. The spokesman for the Dutch military police said he did not believe that they had come from Calais to try to cross the Channel.

But last week politicians in northern France called for police reinforcements after migrants set up small camps along the coast in the hope of reaching the UK from ports with weaker security than Calais.

In May, the British government announced that it will introduce six new Border Force boats to bolster the three already patrolling Britain’s coastline, after warnings that Britain’s small ports are being targeted by people smugglers.

Dutch soldiers and air forces have previously helped with land border controls, and it is thought to be a new measure that they are being called to ferry terminals. Ferries from the Hook of

Holland go to Harwich, from IJmuiden they leave for Newcastle and from Europoort in Rotterdam they go to Hull.

The Dutch ministry of justice referred requests for information to the military police.

Migrant crisis | Incidents at 12 British ports

Hull
The Port of Hull on the north bank of the Humber Estuary is just 20 miles from the North sea. In February 2016, eighteen migrants suspected of trying to smuggle themselves into Britain illegally were discovered in a freight vehicle.
Tilbury
The Port of Tilbury is London’s major port. In August 2015, one migrant died after 35 Afghan Sikhs, including 15 children, were found inside the container at Tilbury docks in Essex.
Immingham
The Port of Immingham has easy access to major trade routes. In May 2016, an operation involving the UK Border Force was launched after 25 suspected illegal immigrants were discovered on a lorry in Immingham docks.
Newhaven
Newhaven Ferry Port is the closest port to London with Ferry links to France. In January 2016, seven migrants were found at the Port crammed inside a concealed compartment in the back of a van.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth International Port is Britain’s best connected port and a key destination for produce from all over the world. Earlier this month twenty-eight suspected illegal immigrants were detained after being found in the back of a refrigerated lorry.
Harwich
Harwich International Port is one of the UK’s leading multi-purpose ports in the country. In June 2015, sixty-eight suspected illegal immigrants were found inside four lorries at a port in Essex after a routine Border Force check.
Chichester
Two weeks ago a British man, who is wanted on suspicion of murder in Spain, was arrested with 17 Albanian migrants detained at Chichester marina in West Sussex after crossing the Channel in a catamaran.
Orford Ness
The Suffolk village port is used for its small ferry service and fishing.In October 2014, three Ukranians were stopped by Border Force officers as they attempted to bring the six Ukranians into the country illegally.
Dover
The Port of Dover is Europe’s busiest ferry port. On Saturday night two British men were detained on suspicion of people smuggling after two boats carrying 18 illegal Albanian migrants were picked up off the Kent coast and taken ashore to Dover.
Whitstable
Whitstable has a small small working harbour. In April 2016, the National Crime Agency said people smugglers were using rigid-hulled inflatable boats to get people across to "shallow beaches", including Whitstable in Kent.
Royal Portbury Docks
Royal Portbury Docks has the largest entrance lock into any UK port and can accommodate vessels of up to 41 meters. In early 2015, the Border Force disrupted a people trafficking gang.
Purfleet
Purfleet Freight Ferry Port is just 18 miles from Central London. In April 2016, the NCA's Border Policing Command deputy director Tom Dowdall said they were seeing evidence of criminals using less busy ports such as Purfleet Freight Ferry Port.

Holland deploys army after spike in illegal immigrants crossing to UK

When will the USA deploy our Military, build the Wall, and turn them all right back around.

They are becoming more than just pests, they are disrupting our commerce, our jobs, our economy, overcrowding our schools, driving our medical care costs sky high, destroying our neighborhoods, rioting, raping, destroying property and murdering our citizens.

"Operation Return to Sender"!