Summary:

On 22 November 2023, French security officials in Bordeaux announced that an illegal immigration network had been disrupted, leading to the arrest of twelve suspects, including a number of Tunisians. 

The smuggling network was reported to have operated out of the Tarn-et-Garonne area of France. A number of illegal migrants from both Tunisia and Turkey were identified as working as delivery drivers, assisting in smuggling people from Tunisia and Turkey into France. 

French officials indicated that the investigation into the human smuggling network began following a 2022 drug bust in Bayonne that revealed a much larger network of immigrants working illegally as delivery drivers. Most of the individuals involved were reportedly of Tunisian nationality.  

Separately, three French police officers were briefly taken into custody in Tunis after escorting an individual of Tunisian nationality on a flight from Marseille to Tunis. Tunisian authorities have reportedly received a video showing the three French officers handling the individual being returned to Tunis roughly as the individual resisted being deported. Upon review, the three French officers were released and allowed to return to France. 

Outlook: 

Incidents such as the disruption of the human smuggling network in France will continue to fuel concerns amongst Europeans about the issue of irregular migration. Sentiment among Europeans has been increasingly negative toward immigrants, with populist and nationalist rhetoric putting pressure on EU leaders to stem the flow of migrants into Europe. 

A security assistance deal with the EU is being incrementally implemented despite a public disagreement between Brussels and Carthage, however, many EU citizens appear to be growing impatient with long-term solutions. 

Feeling particular pressure as a main arrival point for irregular migrants, Italy has sought unilateral solutions, striking a deal with neighboring Albania to house migrants while their asylum applications are considered. 

Desperation from many Africans and frustrations from Europeans will continue to press the issue of irregular migration to the front of policy agendas across the EU. 

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