Analysis by the Guardian has identified at least 28 anti-migrant vigilante groups that have formed in the United Kingdom within the past year and a half. These organizations range from small community patrols operating near asylum-seeker accommodations to larger groups attempting to obstruct migrant crossings at ports and from France. The groups are geographically distributed across the country, with operations documented from Belfast to the south coast of England.
The surge in vigilante activity has accelerated significantly since summer 2025, with 28 of 31 groups tracked establishing their formation dates originating from that period onward. Notable groups include Scots Active, which conducts nighttime patrols in Glasgow city center claiming to protect women and children, and the British Security Project, which describes itself as providing civilian security services and aims to deploy 124,000 personnel to public spaces by 2035. Another organization, Raise the Colours, conducted trips to France during 2025 to attempt blocking migrant boat crossings, with members claiming to have damaged dinghies on French beaches. Members of Patriot Platform blocked roads near Dover for several hours, disrupting port traffic, while approximately 200 black-clad individuals gathered in Portsmouth following the arrival of rescued asylum seekers, blocking roads and allegedly assaulting police officers.
Experts attribute the rise to claims by these groups that authorities are unable or unwilling to address migration concerns. Dr. Julia Ebner of the University of Oxford noted that such narratives undermine public trust in institutions and can justify extrajudicial enforcement actions. Researchers also highlighted that vigilante messaging often invokes protection of women and children from migrants, employing imagery and uniforms that project legitimacy. Alex MacKinnon of Hope Not Hate warned that while such groups claim community protection aims, many lack proper member vetting and engage in intimidatory behavior, with several members having histories of violent crime.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood directed police to maximize enforcement powers against such groups. The National Police Chiefs’ Council emphasized that officers are specially trained to respond safely and lawfully, cautioning that citizens taking enforcement into their own hands could prove dangerous and compromise investigations.
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