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The European Parliament erupted into chants of “send them back” after lawmakers approved a major overhaul of the EU’s migrant return system, signaling a shift toward stricter immigration enforcement amid rising voter frustration.
On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted 418 to 218, with 30 abstentions, to approve the Return Regulation, a measure aimed at expediting the removal of third-country nationals illegally residing in the EU.
Tensions flared immediately after the vote. Right-wing lawmakers stood, applauded, and chanted “send them back,” as captured in a video of the session. Left-wing members responded with their own chants of “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 requires formal approval by the Council of the European Union and publication in the Official Journal before taking effect, but the confrontation highlighted Europe’s deep divisions over migration, even as the bloc advances policies once deemed politically untouchable.
The new rules would permit member states to detain some migrants for up to 24 months, with a potential six-month extension, and establish a framework for “return hubs” in third countries willing to accept 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 argue the rules are necessary, citing data from the European Commission that only about 20% of migrants receiving return decisions are actually deported. The European Conservatives and Reformists Group (ECR) praised the vote as a step toward stricter border and asylum rules, including enhanced screening, identity checks, and biometric data collection.
Members of the European Parliament are seen during a June 17 session in which chants of “send them home” were heard during a vote on new EU migration rules.
(European Parliament streaming service)
Conservative leaders celebrated the vote as a triumph. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the result a “great success,” describing the legislation as a “historic measure” in a post on X. Other right-wing figures in France and Austria hailed it as evidence of right-wing influence on EU policy.