BRUSSELS – The European Union is adopting measures reminiscent of strategies employed by the Trump administration, amid widespread public scrutiny across its 27 member states. This shift involves expanding powers to track, search, and deport migrants to designated “return hubs” in third countries, particularly in Africa.
Following the ascent of right-wing parties in several EU nations in 2024, the bloc has intensified its immigration policies. European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, representing the centre-right European People’s Party, stated that these new measures aim to prevent a recurrence of the 2015 migrant crisis ignited by the Syrian civil war, which saw approximately one million people seeking asylum in Europe.
Von der Leyen emphasized, “We have learned the lessons of the past, and today we are better equipped.” The newly enacted policy, referred to as the Migration and Asylum Agreement, is set to take effect on June 12th.
The surge of support from Europe’s far-right parties for US President Donald Trump’s deportation strategies has prompted calls for similar approaches within the EU. Human rights organizations have raised alarms over illegal pushbacks of migrants at EU borders, effectively diminishing their legal protections.
Italy’s Approach as a Blueprint
The EU has already allocated millions to deter migrants prior to their arrival in the bloc, facilitating the return of tens of thousands of Africans to their home countries, either voluntarily or forcibly. Italy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, provides a model for these measures, implementing a rigorous immigration policy that includes two detention centers in Albania for migrants whose asylum applications have been denied. During a recent visit, Councilwoman Rachelle Scarpa found at least 90 migrants in the center, many appearing confused and fearful.
Meloni’s government has also authorized an anti-immigration strategy enabling the navy to dock ships in international waters for up to six months if they pose a risk to public order. This package permits the deportation of accepted immigrants back to their countries or to third countries and expedites the removal of foreigners convicted of crimes.
Bernd Parcel, a researcher at the Swedish European Policy Institute, noted the existence of an “informal group” of EU countries, including Germany, Austria, and Greece, actively pursuing agreements to establish deportation centers. Dutch MEP Tineke Strick indicated that conversations were underway with Kenya to explore potential cooperation, drawing parallels to Trump’s agreements with Central American nations to accept deported migrants.
Support for Controversial Measures Grows
While protests erupted over the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in support of the U.S. delegation at the Winter Olympics in Italy, some European nations have lauded ICE’s initiatives, with calls for similar police forces to focus on deportation efforts. Belgium recently enacted a law enabling the EU border security agency Frontex to operate within its borders, raising concerns among activists about potential involvement in raids.
Frontex, however, clarified that its operations are limited to international borders and that its current activities regarding returns include coordinating flights and ensuring the fundamental rights of migrants are upheld throughout the process, according to spokesperson Chris Borowski. The European Commission has notably declined to take a position on U.S. federal immigration policy.
In the UK, which exited the EU several years ago, the centre-left Labour government has prioritized addressing illegal immigration. The Interior Ministry reported in February that approximately 60,000 individuals have been deported since the administration took office in July 2024, with plans for 9,000 arrests for illegal employment in 2025—a sharp increase from the previous year.
Increasing Raids and Surveillance Tactics
Despite the principle of non-refoulement, which asserts that individuals cannot be returned to countries where they face persecution, Europe’s immigration enforcement strategies include pushbacks where individuals attempting to enter the EU are forcibly turned away without the opportunity to seek asylum.
According to a February report from a humanitarian group, European authorities conduct an average of 221 pushbacks daily, totaling more than 80,000 incidents reported in 2025, primarily in Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, and Latvia. The report detailed harrowing accounts of physical abuse, including beatings and theft of personal belongings endured by migrants.
Flor Diden, a migration policy expert with the Belgian human rights organization 11.11.11, remarked on the brutal treatment faced by migrants by European authorities, suggesting that similar tactics seen in the U.S. are now prevalent in Europe. “The shocking images raise questions about the moral clarity of European border agencies when they engage in such abuses,” he stated.
Ongoing Protection for Migrants Amid Policy Changes
Amid these developments, an increase in surveillance technologies such as drones, thermal cameras, and satellites is being documented to monitor migrant movements. Various human rights organizations have expressed concerns over the erosion of legal protections. In a February letter to EU institutions, 88 non-profits, including the Brussels-based International Cooperation Platform on Irregular Migration, criticized new immigration regulations that allow for an uptick in police raids and greater leeway for surveillance and racial profiling.
Michel Levoy, director of the platform, stressed the contradiction in opposing U.S. deportation practices while endorsing similar measures in Europe. Olivia Sandberg-Dees, a migration advocate with Amnesty International, acknowledged that while Europe does maintain more protections for vulnerable migrants compared to the U.S., the political momentum towards tougher policies remains strong. “The institutional independence and human rights compliance in Europe must not be overlooked, yet the fundamental political impulse appears consistent, raising concerns about the human impact,” she added.
Giada Zampano, along with contributors from various locations, reported on these evolving dynamics within Europe.
This article has been updated to clarify that Frontex’s mission is strictly border-focused and does not partake in raids by Belgian authorities.
