EU Expands Immigration Enforcement Powers
BRUSSELS — The European Union is increasing its authority to track, search, and deport migrants to “return hubs” in third countries, including those in Africa. This move subtly mirrors tactics employed by the Trump administration, which has faced significant public criticism throughout the EU’s 27-member states.
Since right-wing parties gained power in several EU countries in 2024, immigration policies have tightened considerably. European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen, representing the center-right European People’s Party Union, stated that these new measures aim to prevent a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis triggered by the Syrian civil war, during which approximately one million individuals sought asylum in Europe.
“We have learned the lessons of the past, and today we are better equipped,” von der Leyen declared. The new policy, officially titled the Migration and Asylum Agreement, is set to take effect on June 12.
Italy’s Immigration Model Influences EU Strategy
The EU has already invested millions in efforts to deter migrants before they reach its borders and has facilitated the return of tens of thousands of Africans, both voluntarily and forcibly. The current plan appears to draw inspiration from actions taken by Italy under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, known for her stern immigration policies. Italy operates two detention centers in Albania for individuals whose asylum applications have been denied. During a recent visit to one of these centers, Councilwoman Rachelle Scarpa found that at least 90 migrants were residing there, expressing feelings of confusion and fear.
In addition to detention measures, Meloni’s government has approved an anti-immigration package allowing naval forces to dock ships in international waters for up to six months if deemed a threat to public safety, expediting the deportation of accepted immigrants to their home countries or to third nations.
As part of broader EU discussions, Bernd Parcel, a researcher at the Swedish European Policy Institute, highlighted the formation of an informal group of EU nations, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Greece, that is negotiating the establishment of deportation centers. Dutch MEP Tineke Strick mentioned that Kenya is one potential partner in these discussions, pointing out similarities to the agreements made by the Trump administration with countries like El Salvador.
Support for Tougher Immigration Policies Grows Across Europe
The European landscape is shifting, with some countries openly endorsing U.S. immigration strategies. Protests erupted regarding the deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the Winter Olympics in Italy, yet a segment of European nations applauded the actions of ICE, advocating for a dedicated law enforcement focus on deportations.
In 2024, the EU border agency Frontex began supporting Belgian police with migration detentions. However, details of similar operations in other nations remain unclear. The European Commission has not publicly commented on U.S. federal immigration policies amidst these developments.
In the UK, having exited the EU, the center-left Labor government is prioritizing initiatives to combat illegal immigration. The Interior Ministry reported that around 60,000 individuals have been deported since the government assumed office in July 2024, with plans for 9,000 arrests of unauthorized workers in 2025, representing a significant increase over the previous year.
Increased Raids and Surveillance Raise Concerns
Despite the principle of non-refoulement in EU and international law, which prohibits sending individuals back to countries where they might face persecution, the EU has been criticized for employing aggressive tactics. Reports indicate that authorities perform an average of 221 pushbacks per day, forcibly returning individuals attempting to enter the EU without processing their asylum claims. A recent humanitarian report documented over 80,000 such pushbacks in 2025, primarily affecting migrants in Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, and Latvia.
Accounts from this report describe pervasive violence, including beatings and other abuses faced by migrants during these pushbacks, leading to growing outrage among human rights advocates. Flor Diden, a migration policy expert, noted that European agents exhibit brutality comparable to practices in the U.S., questioning the moral clarity around such behaviors.
Legal Protections and Surveillance Technologies Under Scrutiny
Human rights organizations are increasingly alarmed by the rise in surveillance technologies, including drones and satellites, employed to monitor migrant movements. Meanwhile, concerns are intensifying regarding the erosion of legal protections for migrants. A letter submitted in February by 88 non-profit organizations, including the International Cooperation Platform on Irregular Migration, criticized new EU immigration regulations for permitting expanded police raids on homes and public spaces, alongside increased surveillance and racial profiling.
“We cannot support these practices in Europe and still be outraged by ICE actions in the United States,” urged Michel Levoy, the platform’s director. Olivia Sandberg-Dees, an EU migration advocate at Amnesty International, acknowledged that while Europe offers more protections for vulnerable migrants than the U.S., the political momentum towards harsher policies is largely similar. She expressed concern over the potentially devastating human impacts of these evolving immigration strategies.
