Author: RACHAEL ADEEGBE

Germany and the United Kingdom have agreed to work closely to stop the smuggling of migrants across borders. As part of this new agreement, Germany plans to change its laws to make it a crime to help people migrate illegally to countries outside the European Union, like the UK. This legal change is expected to begin before the end of the year. Right now, German law does not stop smugglers from helping people travel illegally to non-EU countries. This gap has allowed smugglers to use Germany as a place to prepare boats and equipment for crossing the English Channel into…

A Spanish bishop and the Moroccan consulate have strongly condemned the recent wave of anti-migrant violence in Murcia, Spain. The attacks targeted North African migrants, especially Moroccans, following an assault on a 68-year-old Spanish man. Bishop Jose Manuel Lorca Planes of Cartagena released a statement through Vatican News, saying that violence is never the answer. He warned that such acts only deepen fear and tension among people. The bishop called on everyone to reject extremism and instead show love, peace, and forgiveness. What caused the unrest in Murcia?Last Friday, rumours spread on social media claiming that three North African youths…

A fake video shared on social media has been blamed for sparking violent anti-migrant protests in Torre Pacheco, a town in southern Spain. The country’s Minister of Interior, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, said the video, which showed an elderly man being beaten, was not real and did not show the actual event that took place last week. The violence started after the video went viral online. The man in the video was reportedly a 68-year-old retiree. But according to the Minister, the real victim did not recognize himself in the clip. Authorities say the false video was shared by far-right groups and…

The European Union is facing renewed calls to increase deportations of rejected asylum seekers as the bloc prepares to implement its new migration pact. Michael Spindelegger, the Director-General of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), states that the EU must strengthen its return policy to uphold the rule of law. Speaking in an interview with AFP, Spindelegger defended ICMPD’s work while responding to criticism from human rights groups over its migration projects outside Europe. “If someone comes, doesn’t get asylum and then stays anyway, and nothing happens, that’s a very bad sign for the rule of law,” he…

The UK Parliament ended its last session before the summer recess with more questions than answers, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced mounting pressure following a serious Afghan data breach and gloomy faces across the Labour front bench. Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle raised alarms about the concealed leak of Afghan refugees’ data, saying it “raises significant constitutional issues.” The breach had been hidden for years under a super-injunction and only became public after a recent court ruling forced its release. The Speaker said his office would now examine the issue and report back to the House. Labour’s handling of…

Many migrant workers in the United States are using special apps to track the location of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. These apps are giving them more confidence and helping them avoid detention during their daily routines. Oscar, a migrant from Venezuela, works legally in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status. He transports horses across the country. Even though he has legal status, he still fears being arrested by ICE agents. Oscar shared, “I feel like someone is always behind me, even if I haven’t done anything wrong.” To reduce his fear, Oscar uses a mobile app called Coqui,…

A shocking display of anti-migrant anger took place in Northern Ireland as an effigy of migrants wearing life jackets was set on fire atop a giant bonfire. The act, carried out during the annual July 12 celebrations in the village of Moygashel, revealed how deeply-rooted sectarian divisions in the region are now blending with rising anti-immigrant hatred. The burning effigy, which showed migrants in a boat and carried a sign reading “Veterans before refugees,” drew widespread outrage. Despite criticism, the organizers defended the act, and hundreds of people stood by to watch the blaze. The bonfire was one of many…

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has promised to block a new sea route that could bring irregular migrants from Libya into Greece. Speaking in his weekly social media address, Mitsotakis made it clear that Greece will not allow itself to become an easy entry point for illegal migration. He stressed that Greece’s role is vital in shaping Libya’s future ties with the European Union. The prime minister warned that any attempt to create a fresh migration route from North Africa would be met with strong resistance. He emphasized that Greece remains committed to securing its borders and protecting the country’s…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Nigel Farage of secretly hoping that the UK’s new migrant return agreement with France will fail. In a strong statement, Starmer said the Reform leader is afraid of losing political importance if the issue of illegal immigration is solved. He argued that Farage needs the current crisis to continue in order to remain relevant in UK politics. The controversial “one in, one out” deal was highlighted as the key outcome of French President Emmanuel Macron’s state visit to the UK. The plan suggests that some migrants crossing the Channel in small boats would be…

The United States government is planning to speed up the deportation of migrants to countries other than their home nations, following a new ruling by the Supreme Court. A recent memo from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shows that deportations could happen with as little as six hours’ notice in certain cases, signaling a stronger push to remove migrants from the country quickly. According to the memo, issued on July 9 by ICE acting director Todd Lyons, officials usually wait at least 24 hours after informing someone that they will be sent to a third country. However, in urgent…