The European Union is expanding its powers to track, raid, and deport migrants to 'return hubs' in third countries in Africa and elsewhere. According to Los Angeles Times and PBS, these measures are similar to those adopted by the Trump administration, drawing public criticism across the 27-nation bloc.
Key Takeaways
The European Union is expanding its powers to track, raid, and deport migrants to 'return hubs' in Africa and elsewhere. According to Los Angeles Times and PBS, these measures are similar to those adopted by the Trump administration. The new policies aim to prevent a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis caused by Syria's civil war.
- EU expands powers to track and deport migrants
- New policies go into effect on June 12
- Far-right parties praise Trump-like deportation tactics
- Human rights groups warn of illegal pushbacks and weakened legal protections
The EU continues to tighten migration policies after right-wing parties took power in some countries in 2024. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that the new measures will prevent a repeat of the 2015 crisis caused by Syria's civil war, when about 1 million people arrived to seek asylum.
Far-right parties in Europe have praised the deportation policies of U.S. President Donald Trump and called for the EU to adopt a similar approach. Human rights groups warn that authorities are already illegally pushing back migrants at EU borders and hollowing out their legal protections.
The new policies, known as the Pact on Migration and Asylum, go into effect June 12. The EU already spends millions of dollars to deter migrants before they reach its shores and has supported tens of thousands of Africans returning home, voluntarily or by force.
Italy operates two migrant detention centers for rejected asylum seekers in Albania under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's 'tough on migration' stance. One currently holds at least 90 migrants, according to lawmaker Rachele Scarpa. In addition, Meloni’s Cabinet has approved an anti-immigration package that would allow the navy to halt vessels in international waters for up to six months if they are deemed a threat to public order.
An 'informal group' of EU nations including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece are pursuing deportation center agreements. Kenya is one country they are speaking with, according to Tineke Strik, a Dutch member of the European Parliament. Other countries like Sweden are exploring similar ideas.
During the recent Winter Olympics in Italy, protests erupted over the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to provide security to the U.S. delegation. However, others in Europe have praised ICE’s actions in Trump's deportation campaign and called for setting up similar deportation-focused police units.
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