Jungle closed by French Police

The French police have finally acted and rounded up hundreds of Iranian and Afghani refuges in an early morning raid on Calais’ notorious ‘Jungle’ migrant camp.

UK authorities had earlier this week resisted calls from the U.N to accept some of the asylum seekers ahead of the planned closure by French authorities. A force of some 500 local police, including members of the riot squad, has begun the task of removing the asylum seekers. The raid has already been hailed as a success by police who said the raid was a key component in disrupting smuggling networks.

A group of political activists had set up a human chain around the camp which caused minor scuffles when officers entered. However, police report than the emigrants left peacefully. Eric Besson, the French Immigration Minister, has warned of further raids on makeshift camps in the fight against human trafficking. As Besson addressed reporters, authorities could be seen leading detainees away and bulldozing the campsite.

Many of the ‘Jungle’s inhabitants had fled the site in the hours before the raid which occurred soon after morning prayers. It is suspected that close to 500 migrants had either sought sanctuary in nearby makeshift camps or attempted to cross illegally into Britain, Belgium or Holland. Those that remained were mainly Afghani and almost half were found to be minors, who will be taken to social care shelters. The adults will be given an opportunity to apply for asylum in France or make a voluntary return home. France will also consider forced deportation on an individual case basis.

UK authorities have called the raid a success, as it continues to stem the tide of emigrants crossing the channel. Last year the UK Border Agency prevented close to 30,000 people from entering this way.