A new report from the National Crime Agency (NCA) suggests that a mix of increased law enforcement efforts and reduced demand from migrants led to a sharp drop in small boat crossings to the UK during the first half of 2026. The NCA, which focuses on tackling organized immigration crime, shared some of its findings but kept the full report confidential, citing the need to protect sensitive intelligence. The report highlights that conflict in the Middle East and targeted police actions disrupted the supply chains used to transport migrants across the English Channel. These factors, along with efforts by authorities and a decrease in migrant demand, led to a 41% drop in the number of people arriving in the UK by small boat and a 47% decline in the number of such boats compared to the previous year. NCA Director General of Operations Rob Jones said that the agency is investing more resources in fighting organized immigration crime, which has already shown results. He emphasized that ongoing efforts are aimed at making it harder and more expensive for people-smuggling networks to operate. However, he warned that the work is not yet finished and that pressure must continue on these criminal groups, as they continue to pose a danger to lives in the Channel. Minister for border security and asylum Anna Turley stated that the drop in crossings shows that the government’s strategy is working. She pointed to increased police presence on French beaches, the seizure of over 1,100 small boats and engines, and measures to reduce factors that attract migrants to the UK. These include making refugee status temporary, cracking down on illegal work, and repatriating people who are not legally allowed to be in the UK. The report also noted that since 2021, more than 40,000 social media accounts linked to people smuggling have been removed. Arrests related to organized immigration crime have increased by over 55% in the year to April 2026, and more than 1,600 boats or engines have been seized since late 2023. In Portsmouth, seven police officers were assaulted during an anti-migrant protest after a small boat carrying 140 asylum seekers was intercepted off the coast. A standoff followed, with some protesters trying to stop the migrants from being removed, leading to attacks on officers and vehicles. The chairman of the Hampshire Police Federation said no one was seriously injured, but several officers were hurt and there was significant damage. He described the incident as frightening for local residents and stressed that the protesters’ actions were illegal.