MADRID (AP) — President Donald Trump criticized European leaders regarding their management of irregular migration, asserting that they have not done enough to stop the influx of migrants that he claims has overrun the continent.
Trump's comments came during his address to the U.N. General Assembly, yet they are at odds with recent data showing that irregular border crossings into Europe have decreased significantly. According to the EU’s border control agency Frontex, irregular crossings have declined by approximately 20% from January to August compared to the same timeframe last year, highlighting a trend that has persisted over the past decade.
Irregular Migration on the Decline
Trump stated, Europe is in serious trouble. They’ve been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobody’s ever seen before.” However, the facts indicate that just over 112,000 attempts to cross the EU’s external borders were noted in the first eight months of 2024, down from nearly 140,000 in the same period of 2023.
Despite this decrease, unauthorized immigration has remained a significant topic in European political discourse since the mass migrations following the Syrian civil war beginning in 2015.
Deportation Challenges Persist
Trump also argued that “illegal aliens are pouring into Europe, and nobody’s doing anything to change it, to get them out.” Recent reports reveal that while over 400,000 individuals are ordered to leave the EU each year, only about 20% are actually deported. The barriers to effective deportation underscore a complex system influenced by geographic and bureaucratic challenges.
To illustrate the complicated landscape of migration policy, Frontex spokesperson Chris Borowski remarked, “Geography adds to the challenge. People don’t go to one place. They go to dozens of countries, all with different levels of cooperation and different political realities.”
Demographic Misconceptions
Trump’s claims extended to prison demographics, citing that high percentages of inmates in several European countries are foreign nationals. While his assertions contained some accuracy, reports indicate discrepancies; for instance, 37% and not 50% of inmates in Germany were foreign-born in 2024.
This discussion reflects broader concerns about systemic biases that foreign-born individuals face in legal proceedings and deportation issues.
Sharia Law Claims Unfounded
Trump also touched on a controversial claim about London’s mayor Sadiq Khan and Sharia law, stating, “Now they want to go to Sharia law.” However, Khan has consistently affirmed his position as a liberal leader and has made no indications of wanting to introduce Sharia law in London.
The ongoing narratives surrounding migration in Europe, exacerbated by political discourse, reveal significant challenges and complexities that shape the continent’s socio-political landscape.
