France on Edge: Illegal Immigration Surges Again
25th September 2025
The French-Italian border at Menton has once again become the main entry point for illegal immigration into metropolitan France. Local authorities have recorded around 10,400 interceptions since the beginning of the year, with 200-300 people sent back each week. Although the figures do not reach the crisis levels at the end of 2023, attempted crossings have increased by 30% in recent weeks. The summer season could push interceptions to around 15,000 by the end of the year, a number similar to 2024.
The state’s response includes strengthening the gendarmerie, border police, customs, and soldiers from Operation Sentinelle.
Migrants often use express trains from Ventimiglia or steep routes monitored by drones and police patrols. Among those detained, citizens of Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco stand out, with 10% being unaccompanied minors. Although radicalized profiles are a minority, their presence highlights additional security risks that the authorities cannot ignore.