Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer shot a Venezuelan migrant in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, further escalating tensions in a city already shaken by the fatal shooting of activist and mother-of-three Renee Good just one week earlier. The incident occurred during what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as a “targeted” immigration enforcement operation in north Minneapolis. According to DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin, ICE agents attempted to arrest a Venezuelan man suspected of living in the United States without legal authorization. McLaughlin said the situation quickly turned violent after the man fled in his vehicle when agents…

The Trump administration has announced that it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for people from 75 countries, marking a major escalation in its efforts to limit legal migration to the United States. The decision was confirmed on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, through a statement posted by the US State Department on social media. According to federal officials, the move is intended to discourage immigration from countries whose nationals are believed to rely heavily on public welfare programmes in the United States. While the government did not release a full list of all 75 affected countries, it confirmed that…

A 43-year-old migrant from Nepal has died after falling seriously ill while sheltering in abandoned warehouses at Trieste’s Old Port in northern Italy. The man suffered a cardiac arrest last Saturday and later died in hospital on January 13, sparking renewed criticism over the treatment of asylum seekers in the city. The man collapsed in the disused warehouses of Porto Vecchio, an area where many migrants sleep due to a lack of accommodation. Fellow Nepalese migrants raised the alarm after finding him in critical condition. Emergency services rushed him to Cattinara Hospital in Trieste, but his condition continued to worsen.…

French authorities have banned 10 British far-right activists from entering the country after accusing them of carrying out anti-migrant actions on French soil. The decision was announced by France’s Interior Ministry on Wednesday, amid growing concerns over harassment and violence targeting migrants along the northern French coastline. Immigration has become a major political issue in the United Kingdom, as the government struggles to stop undocumented migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. Many migrants pay smugglers to make the dangerous journey from France to England, a situation that has fuelled public debate and rising anger among far-right groups…

A migrant who lost his life in the deadly Lampedusa shipwreck of October 3, 2013, has finally been identified more than 12 years after the tragedy. The victim, known for years only as number 186, was a 20-year-old man from Eritrea. His identification brings long-awaited answers to a family that has spent over a decade searching for the truth. The shipwreck happened off the Italian island of Lampedusa and claimed the lives of at least 368 people. Many of the victims were migrants from Eritrea who were fleeing hunger, forced military service, and political persecution. For years, dozens of bodies…

Migration deals between Europe and Africa have become more common in recent years as European countries try to reduce the number of irregular migrants arriving at their borders. These agreements often involve African countries helping to stop migrants before they reach Europe. In return, Europe promises financial aid, development support, and closer political cooperation. While these deals are presented as partnerships, many people question who truly benefits from them. From Europe’s side, the main benefit is stronger border control. European governments use these deals to limit dangerous sea crossings and reduce pressure on their asylum systems. By working with African…

Sweden has recorded a 30 percent reduction in asylum requests between 2024 and 2025, following tougher immigration laws introduced by the current government. The sharp decline comes after the centre-right government, backed by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, took office in 2022 with a promise to tighten migration controls. For many years, Sweden was known for its welcoming approach to refugees, offering some of the most generous support systems in Europe. However, rising concerns over crime, social integration, and gang-related violence have pushed both left- and right-wing governments over the past decade to gradually tighten asylum and immigration rules. Speaking at…

Lithuania’s new head of the Migration Department, Indrė Gasperė, has said the country plans to tighten its migration rules to prevent abuse of the system, but not to reduce the number of migrants entering the country. She made this known during an interview with LRT Radio shortly after assuming office. Gasperė explained that the focus of the policy shift is better control of migration procedures. According to her, stricter rules are needed to stop third-country nationals from exploiting legal loopholes, submitting forged documents, or misusing residence permits. She stressed that the aim is not to discourage migration but to ensure…

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh warning to Nigerians and other migrants, saying anyone caught working without proper authorisation will be arrested, detained, and deported. The warning comes as the UK intensifies immigration enforcement nationwide. According to UK authorities, enforcement actions against illegal workers have increased sharply, with immigration raids now at record levels. Officials said workplace inspections are being intensified, especially in sectors known to employ migrant labour. In a statement shared on social media on Friday, the UK Home Office said those found working illegally would face immediate consequences. “Those caught working illegally in the UK will…

One migrant has died, and six others were taken to the hospital after a boat carrying 143 migrants was rescued off the Canary Islands. The vessel was intercepted on January 6 about 26 kilometres off the coast of La Gomera, the smallest and most remote island in the archipelago, according to emergency services. Rescue teams recovered one person dead from the boat, while six migrants were rushed to the hospital with serious symptoms of hypothermia. Among those hospitalised were three minors, highlighting the vulnerability of children and teenagers on dangerous sea journeys. Officials said the boat was carrying 143 people…