At least 28 anti-migrant vigilante groups formed in the UK over 18 months — The Guardian
Over the past 18 months, at least 28 anti-migrant vigilante groups have formed in the United Kingdom. Their members organize unauthorized patrols, block roads and try to obstruct migrants in France, according to an analysis by The Guardian.
Patrols and road blockades
The publication established the creation dates of 31 active groups, 28 of which emerged after the summer of 2025. The largest number of new groups appeared in August 2025, following the flag-flying Raise the Colours campaign and unrest near an asylum seeker hotel in Epping.
Among these groups is Scots Active, which conducts night patrols in central Glasgow and says it protects the public from migrants and ensures the safety of women and girls. Its members sometimes wear balaclavas and stab-proof vests. TikTok previously banned Scots Active and another group after they reportedly shared videos that allegedly exposed migrant hotels.
The British Security Project recruits volunteers for so-called visible deterrence patrols and says it intends to provide 124,000 security personnel in public places by 2035. A representative of the group denied that it was vigilante or anti-migrant and said it was committed to lawful, peaceful and accountable volunteer action.
Incidents in Dover and Portsmouth
Members of Raise the Colours traveled to France several times in 2025 to obstruct migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. They posted videos claiming that they had damaged inflatable boats on French beaches. France subsequently banned ten members of the group from entering the country.
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Last Saturday, members of the far-right Patriot Platform blocked roads near Dover for several hours, disrupting traffic to and from the port. Kent Police initially said it had received no warning, but later acknowledged that officers had not responded to calls made the previous evening.
On Sunday, around 200 men dressed in black gathered in Portsmouth after 120 asylum seekers rescued from a boat were brought ashore. They blocked roads and allegedly assaulted several police officers. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called on police to make full use of their powers to stop the activities of such groups.
Assessments by experts and police
Oxford University extremism researcher Julia Ebner said that such movements use claims that authorities are unable to protect citizens, while uniforms, patrols and equipment can create an impression of authority even for small groups. Hope Not Hate researcher Alex McKinnon said that such groups use intimidation and promote an aggressive anti-migrant agenda under the guise of protecting communities.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council stressed that law enforcement officers are specially trained to respond to incidents safely and lawfully, and that independently carrying out law enforcement functions can be dangerous and may hinder a police investigation.
