The European Parliament erupted into chants of "send them back" after lawmakers approved a sweeping overhaul of the European Union’s migrant return system, marking the latest sign that Europe is moving toward tougher immigration enforcement after years of growing anger and frustration from voters.Members of the European Parliament voted on Wednesday 418 to 218, with 30 abstentions, to approve the Return Regulation, a measure designed to speed up the removal of third-country nationals who are staying illegally in the European Union. The moment quickly turned explosive.After the vote was announced, right-wing lawmakers stood, applauded and chanted "send them back," according to a video of the meeting.
Lawmakers on the left responded by chanting "shame on you."'YOU'RE DESTROYING YOUR COUNTRIES': IS EUROPE FINALLY HEEDING TRUMP'S WARNING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?European Parliament members chant "send them home" during a June 17 vote on new EU migration rules.(European Parliament streaming service)The legislation still requires formal approval by the Council of the European Union and publication in the Official Journal before it enters into force, but the confrontation underscored how sharply divided Europe remains over migration, even as the bloc’s institutions move ahead with policies once seen as politically taboo. The new rules would allow member states to detain some migrants for up to 24 months, with a possible six-month extension, and create a framework for "return hubs" outside the European Union in third countries willing to receive migrants with return decisions.'YOU'RE DESTROYING YOUR COUNTRIES': IS EUROPE FINALLY HEEDING TRUMP'S WARNING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?Migrants wade into the water near Gravelines, France, as traffickers with covered faces manage the scene before boarding a small boat at sunrise on July 2, 2025.
(Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)Supporters say the rules are necessary because European Union countries have struggled to enforce deportatio...