French authorities have arrested two British far-right activists near Calais. This is believed to be the first arrest of its kind. The men, aged 35 and 53, were caught while livestreaming from the French coast. They made discriminatory remarks and were suspected to be involved in the "stop the boats" protest called Operation Overlord. An order banning British activists from gathering in the Nord and Pas-de-Calais areas had been in force since Friday. It was extended to prevent protests. These activists have been crossing into northern France often to try to stop migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. In 2025, over 40,000 people crossed the Channel in small boats. In 2026, 931 have done so so far. The far-right activists have posted videos of themselves attacking dinghies and confronting migrants. François-Xavier Lauch, prefect of Boulogne-sur-Mer, said the men were arrested after making live videos that incited hatred. The Boulogne-sur-Mer prosecutor Cécile Gressier said they are charged with inciting hatred and preparing violent acts, but not with direct violence against individuals. Police will seek to expel the men from France to protect public order. The two are not among a group of 10 far-right activists banned from France since January for violent acts against migrants. Operation Overlord was originally part of Raise the Colours but is now led by Daniel Thomas, a known associate of Tommy Robinson. The Raise the Colours account on social media denied involvement with Thomas’s operation.