Deterring solidarity in border spaces: Acomparative analyses of food distribution bans in Ventimiglia and Calais.

During the so-called "refugee crisis” in Europe, the presence of migrant groups in European cities has motivated very different reactions from local authorities and civil society. Taking into consideration two key aspects, the typology of destination cities and reaction of local authorities, we focus on two specific cities—Ventimiglia and Calais—because they are both situated at important points of passage on the borders between states. Also in each case, local authorities have chosen a deterrence approach in the form of a ban on food distribution to deal with immigration issues. We analyze the different ways in which local authorities of Ventimiglia and Calais have implemented bans directed at food distribution programs for migrants and the responses to the bans from local citizens’ solidarity organizations.