European Union Approves Migration Deal to Expand Deportations and Detention Centers

The European Union reached a provisional agreement Monday to overhaul its migration policy, expanding deportations and allowing member states to build detention centers in third countries. The deal was struck between the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament during a trilogue session.

It permits bilateral agreements with non-EU countries to host return hubs, following the model of Italy's arrangement with Albania. At least five member states — Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece — are already negotiating with third countries, mostly in Africa, to establish such facilities.

Nicholas Ioannides, deputy migration minister for Cyprus, said the regulation will speed up the return process and increase returns of persons who have no legal right to stay in the EU. The agreement also authorizes detention of minors and home visits modeled on practices used by U.S. immigration authorities. Member states will gain broader powers to detain and deport people under the new rules.

Carter, spokesperson for the Brussels-based

Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, said the regulation will create a draconian detention and deportation machine. Mélissa Camara, a French lawmaker and member of the Greens, called the deal a historic setback for human rights in the bloc.

Marta Welander, a spokesperson for the International Rescue Committee, said the deal will normalize immigration raids and expand detention in prison-like facilities outside EU territory. The provisional agreement now moves to EU lawmakers and heads of state for final approval, which is expected to be swift.