On Monday, about seventy non-governmental organizations called on European Union leaders to withdraw the immigration reform proposal presented to the European Parliament, warning in a joint statement of direct risks affecting the rights of migrants, and likening some of its provisions to the procedures of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration in the United States.

Published on: 02/16/2026 - 21:56 Last updated: 02/16/2026 - 21:56

On Monday, about 70 non-governmental organizations expressed their concern about the draft immigration reform presented to the European Parliament, considering that its approach is similar to the policies adopted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Administration in the United States.

A joint statement from the organizations included that “the danger is real and immediate,” calling on European leaders to abandon the proposal.

This proposal seeks to reform immigration laws and includes, in particular, the establishment of centers outside the European Union for rejected asylum seekers, what are known as “return centres”.

The proposal also aims to impose harsher penalties on people who refuse to leave European territory, by extending detention periods and confiscating identity documents.

These measures have been approved by the vast majority of European Union member states, but are faced with sharp criticism from the left in the European Parliament and migrant protection organizations.

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In their letter, these NGOs expressed concern about “police raids” and cases of “racial profiling” that may result from this reform, considering that these practices are “similar to those implemented by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”

“We cannot denounce the practices of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the United States while supporting these practices in Europe,” said Michelle Levoy of PICUM, an NGO concerned with the protection of irregular migrants.

This statement was also signed by Doctors of the World and Sea-Watch.

The European Commission consistently rejects criticism from non-governmental organizations, stressing the need for these measures to respect the basic rights of migrants. It confirms that these measures enjoy the support of the majority of citizens in Europe, where the political center of gravity leans towards the right.

France 24/AFP

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