'Send them back' chants rock European Parliament after landslide vote to speed up deportations

Key Points:

• The European Parliament approved the Return Regulation with a vote of 418 to 218, aiming to expedite the removal of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, sparking chants of "send them back" from right-wing lawmakers and "shame on you" from the left.
• The legislation, pending formal approval by the Council of the European Union, allows detention of some migrants for up to 24 months with possible extensions and proposes "return hubs" outside the EU to facilitate deportations.
• Supporters argue the new rules address the low return rate of migrants with deportation orders, currently around 20%, while critics warn the measures dehumanize migrants and weaken protections, with human rights groups and the UN expressing concern over expanded detention and forced returns.
• The vote reflects a shift toward tougher immigration enforcement in Europe, praised by conservative leaders such as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and right-wing figures in France and Austria, amid growing voter frustration over illegal immigration.
• The contentious debate highlights deep divisions within the EU over migration policy, with left-wing lawmakers and human rights advocates condemning the decision as a step backward for migrant rights and dignity.