The Home Office has announced an additional £100 million in funding to bolster efforts against people-smuggling and small boat crossings. This investment will support the pilot of a new returns agreement with France, increase the number of National Crime Agency officers, and provide new technology for intelligence-gathering. The funding will also enhance immigration enforcement and support interventions in transit countries. The government aims to deter smuggling gangs and reduce record numbers of small boat arrivals, while new legislation will introduce tougher penalties for those advertising illegal crossings. The announcement has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who question the effectiveness of the proposed measures.