Trumpism

EU expands migrant detention and deportation rules

The European Union took a significant step toward adopting a Trump-like approach to migration when the EuroParliament approved a new law March 26 expanding the power of security agencies to track, detain and deport migrants. Amnesty International criticized the revised "Return Regulation" as "punitive" and a threat to fundamental rights. The law also allows for people to be deported to countries other than their country of origin—a controversial policy used by the Trump administration. Greece, an EU member, is even working directly with US officials to ramp up deportations.

Iranian Kurds deny receiving US weapons

Leaders of all the major Kurdish opposition parties in Iran denied that they have received weapons from the United States, after President Donald Trump said that Washington had sent arms to the Iranian protesters through the Kurds. "We sent guns to the protesters, a lot of them," Trump told Fox News by telephone on April 5. "And I think the Kurds took the guns." He later reiterated to Fox on camera: "We sent guns, a lot of guns. They were supposed to go to the people, so they could fight back against these thugs. You know what happened? The people that they sent them to kept them."

Ongoing US air-strikes on vessels in Caribbean

Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a statement March 31 condemning the "unlawful use of lethal force outside any context of armed conflict" by the US military over the past recent months. The statement said that the deadly US strikes on vessels thought to be carrying illegal drugs in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific amount to "extrajudicial executions."

Air-strikes target Iraqi paramilitary force

Two air-strikes on an Iraqi military base killed seven and wounded 13 on March 24-5, ramping up diplomatic tension between Baghdad and Washington. The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)—a network of militias that are officially part of Iraq's military structure but including groups with strong links to Iran—said the US was responsible for the first strike on Habbaniyah airbase in Anbar province. Iraq's Defense Ministry said the second strike hit a medical clinic on the base, which is shared with PMF units. (TNH)

UN report sees 'ethnic cleansing' on West Bank

A report released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on March 17 warned that over one year—from Nov. 1, 2024 to Oct. 31, 2025—Israel's government accelerated unlawful settlement expansion and "annexation" of large parts of the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This has led to the forced displacement of over 36,000 Palestinians, amid increasing violence by both Israeli security forces and settlers.

WFP: mass food insecurity if Mideast conflict continues

The World Food Programme (WFP) warned March 17 that the escalating hostilities in the Middle East could lead to record levels of food insecurity, and the largest disruption in the global economy and humanitarian efforts since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand accountability for US strike on Iran school

Amnesty International on March 17 called for those responsible for a US strike on an Iranian school to be held accountable.

The Feb. 28 strike on the girls' school in Minab, in southern Iran, killed over 100 children. Amnesty's Evidence Lab conducted an investigation into the strike, analyzing over 30 satellite images and reviewing official statements, independent media reports, and witnesses accounts.

Deportees face 'enforced disappearance' in El Salvador

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on March 16 raised concerns that El Salvador's government is arbitrarily detaining and forcibly "disappearing" Salvadorans deported from the US.

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