The island of Mayotte in French overseas territory is under spotlight for removing African illegal immigrants from slums.

Migrant clampdown in French territory

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has come under heavy criticism after he referred to the victims of Cleveland mass shooting as 'illegal migrants'. In the same statement Abbott also offered his condolences as well.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott under fire, calls mass shooting victims 'illegal migrants'

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tempered his expectations regarding solving the illegal migrants' issue — one that may not sit well with the staunch Conservative leaders in his party, During an interview, Sunak conceded that his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel 'won't happen overnight' as he pushed the timeline beyond the general elections.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has tempered his expectations regarding solving the illegal migrants' issue — one that may not sit well with the staunch Conservative leaders in his party, During an interview, Sunak conceded that his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel 'won't happen overnight' as he pushed the timeline beyond the general elections. At the start of the year, the Tory leader, amid much pomp laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. “I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview with the website ConservativeHome. "People should know it's very important to me, it's hugely important to the country that we need to fix the system, as a matter of fairness. It's not fair that people are breaking the rules and coming here illegally," he added. When asked if the objective could be achieved by the next general elections, scheduled to take place in 2024, Sunak appeared to dodge the question. However, to regain some of the favour from his partymen, the former chancellor stated his government's approach to tackle the issue was 'ambitious' and that he wasn't 'going to make any apologies for that'. WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants × We will detain you: Sunak on illegal migrants last month After Home Secretary Suella Braverman last month tabled the 'Illegal Migration Bill' before the House of Commons, Sunak was a charged man as he issued ultimatum to the illegal migrants crossing the Channel. "Stopping the boats is not just my priority, it's the people's priority. Our position is clear, if you arrive here illegally you will not be able to claim asylum," argued Sunak. "People must know that if they come here illegally it will result in their detention and swift removal. Once this happens, and they know it will happen — they will not come, and the boats will stop." ALSO READ | 'We will detain': UK PM Rishi Sunak defends new bill for crackdown on illegal immigrants Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the 'Rwanda Asylum Policy' under which immigrants arriving in the UK through 'illegal' means would be sent to the African country of Rwanda to seek asylum. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 entered the UK, breaking the record of the previous year with more than 17,000. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue

Two suspected undocumented immigrants suffocated to death aboard a freight train and 10 others in need of medical care were taken by helicopter or ambulance to hospital on Friday in south&nbsp;Texas, police said.

Officials in Uvlade,&nbsp;Texas, received an anonymous emergency 911 call advising them that numerous immigrants were suffocating inside a train, Uvalde police said in a statement. At least 15 immigrants needed immediate medical attention, police said.

U.S. Border Patrol officials were notified and they stopped the train just east of Knippa,&nbsp; Texas, in Uvalde County, police said. Officials closed US Highway 90 temporarily to land the helicopters.

Federal investigators were looking into the possibility of human smuggling, investigators with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.

The tragedy occurred near the site of a more grave incident last year when 53 migrants had died in the back of a tractor-trailer amid sweltering heat during a smuggling attempt.

Dozens of migrants were packed into the back of a truck found on the outskirts of San Antonio on June 27.

Two Americans have been indicted in federal court in that case and could face the death penalty if convicted. Two Mexicans have been charged with lesser crimes.

"We are heartbroken to learn of yet another tragic incident of migrants taking the dangerous journey," Homeland Security Secretary Alejando Mayorkas said on Twitter, vowing to work with local investigators to find those responsible.

"Smugglers are callous and only care about making a profit," Mayorkas said.

Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez suspected the migrants were dehydrated due to the heat of the train cars during warm weather, KSAT television reported.

"It's sad to see that so many undocumented immigrants were found in this condition, and two of them lost their lives. It's heartbreaking," KSAT quoted Rodriguez as saying.

The Union Pacific railroad would lead the investigation, Uvalde police said.

The Mexican consulate in Eagle Pass,&nbsp;Texas, said on Twitter it was aware of the incident and in communication with US officials to determine if any of the victims were Mexican.

Homeland Security had yet to determine the nationalities of the victims or whether any families or children were among them, a department official with knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Knippa is about 72 miles (115 km) west of San Antonio and about 120 miles (190 km) from the Mexican border.

It is near the town of Uvalde, which was the scene of a mass shooting at an elementary school in May last year that killed 19 school children and two teachers. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Two suspected undocumented immigrants suffocated to death aboard a freight train and 10 others in need of medical care were taken by helicopter or ambulance to hospital on Friday in south Texas, police said.

Two suspected undocumented immigrants suffocated to death aboard a freight train and 10 others in need of medical care were taken by helicopter or ambulance to hospital on Friday in south Texas, police said. Officials in Uvlade, Texas, received an anonymous emergency 911 call advising them that numerous immigrants were suffocating inside a train, Uvalde police said in a statement. At least 15 immigrants needed immediate medical attention, police said. U.S. Border Patrol officials were notified and they stopped the train just east of Knippa, Texas, in Uvalde County, police said. Officials closed US Highway 90 temporarily to land the helicopters. Federal investigators were looking into the possibility of human smuggling, investigators with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said. The tragedy occurred near the site of a more grave incident last year when 53 migrants had died in the back of a tractor-trailer amid sweltering heat during a smuggling attempt. Dozens of migrants were packed into the back of a truck found on the outskirts of San Antonio on June 27. Two Americans have been indicted in federal court in that case and could face the death penalty if convicted. Two Mexicans have been charged with lesser crimes. "We are heartbroken to learn of yet another tragic incident of migrants taking the dangerous journey," Homeland Security Secretary Alejando Mayorkas said on Twitter, vowing to work with local investigators to find those responsible. "Smugglers are callous and only care about making a profit," Mayorkas said. Uvalde Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez suspected the migrants were dehydrated due to the heat of the train cars during warm weather, KSAT television reported. "It's sad to see that so many undocumented immigrants were found in this condition, and two of them lost their lives. It's heartbreaking," KSAT quoted Rodriguez as saying. The Union Pacific railroad would lead the investigation, Uvalde police said. The Mexican consulate in Eagle Pass, Texas, said on Twitter it was aware of the incident and in communication with US officials to determine if any of the victims were Mexican. Homeland Security had yet to determine the nationalities of the victims or whether any families or children were among them, a department official with knowledge of the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Knippa is about 72 miles (115 km) west of San Antonio and about 120 miles (190 km) from the Mexican border. It is near the town of Uvalde, which was the scene of a mass shooting at an elementary school in May last year that killed 19 school children and two teachers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Two illegal migrants suffocate to death aboard Texas freight train, 10 hospitalised

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday promised to resolve the issue of illegal migrants within weeks as per the new plan to stop people from illegally crossing the Channel on small boats.

Sunak was speaking after the Conservative government unveiled proposals barring illegal migrants entry into the country, as the government acknowledged were stretching international law amid protests from rights campaigners.

Last year, England recorded the arrival of more than 45,000 migrants on the shores on small boats, which was a jump of 60 per cent.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-home-secretary-suella-braverman-lays-down-governments-illegal-migration-bill-before-house-of-commons-569591">UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman lays down Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons</a>

As per the draft law, anyone who will arrive in the UK illegally will not be allowed to claim asylum, Sunak said at a news conference.

"If you come here illegally, you can't claim asylum. You can't benefit from our modern slavery protections. You can't make spurious human rights claims and you can't stay," he added.

"We will detain those who come here illegally and then remove them in weeks, either to their own country if it is safe to do so. Or to a Safe Third Country like Rwanda and once you are removed, you will be banned as you are in America and Australia from ever re-entering our country," he stated.

As per the draft law, interior minister Suella Braverman will be assigned the task of deporting all migrants entering illegally.

WATCH | UK PM Rishi Sunak announces crackdown on Albanian illegal migrants

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"The current situation is neither moral nor sustainable. It cannot go on. And it's devastatingly unfair on those who most need our help, but can't get it as our asylum system is being overwhelmed by those travelling illegally across the channel," Sunak said.

In the parliament, Right-winger Braverman said that she was "confident that this bill is compatible with international obligations", despite earlier accepting that it "pushed the boundaries of international law".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday promised to resolve the issue of illegal migrants within weeks as per the new plan to stop people from illegally crossing the Channel on small boats.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday promised to resolve the issue of illegal migrants within weeks as per the new plan to stop people from illegally crossing the Channel on small boats. Sunak was speaking after the Conservative government unveiled proposals barring illegal migrants entry into the country, as the government acknowledged were stretching international law amid protests from rights campaigners. Last year, England recorded the arrival of more than 45,000 migrants on the shores on small boats, which was a jump of 60 per cent. ALSO READ | UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman lays down Illegal Migration Bill before House of Commons As per the draft law, anyone who will arrive in the UK illegally will not be allowed to claim asylum, Sunak said at a news conference. "If you come here illegally, you can't claim asylum. You can't benefit from our modern slavery protections. You can't make spurious human rights claims and you can't stay," he added. "We will detain those who come here illegally and then remove them in weeks, either to their own country if it is safe to do so. Or to a Safe Third Country like Rwanda and once you are removed, you will be banned as you are in America and Australia from ever re-entering our country," he stated. As per the draft law, interior minister Suella Braverman will be assigned the task of deporting all migrants entering illegally. WATCH | UK PM Rishi Sunak announces crackdown on Albanian illegal migrants "The current situation is neither moral nor sustainable. It cannot go on. And it's devastatingly unfair on those who most need our help, but can't get it as our asylum system is being overwhelmed by those travelling illegally across the channel," Sunak said. In the parliament, Right-winger Braverman said that she was "confident that this bill is compatible with international obligations", despite earlier accepting that it "pushed the boundaries of international law". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Stop the boats | Illegal migrants to be detained and deported, says Sunak

Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death&nbsp;of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia. According to the initial investigations, the truck was transporting 52 people who were hiding under wooden planks out of which 18 died due to suffocation.&nbsp;

The three arrests made on Saturday were in addition to the previous four detained suspects who are said to be Bulgarians, reported AFP. This incident may be one of the deadliest people smugglings in the country where there has been an uptick in the number of illegal border crossings. Reports suggest that the truck contained a group of Afghans who were coming from Turkey&nbsp;and were headed for western Europe as Bulgaria serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc.&nbsp;

An interior ministry spokesperson told AFP, “I can confirm seven people have been arrested”, while another official reportedly said that the suspected ringleader was among those arrested. The alleged ringleader has a previous record of&nbsp;similar charges and had&nbsp;received a suspended jail sentence of five months for smuggling people.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bulgarian-authorities-find-18-migrants-found-dead-in-truck-563187">Bulgarian authorities find 18 migrants dead in an abandoned truck 'illegally transporting' around 40 people</a>

On Friday, Bulgarian authorities said that 34 people, including five children, were rescued and rushed to the hospital. The country’s interior ministry also later reported that the truck was transporting timber and carrying illegal migrants hidden in compartments. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko, 12 km away from the capital city of Sofia.&nbsp;

The head of the National Investigative Service, Borislav Sarafov, told reporters yesterday, that the migrants had crossed the border with neighbouring Turkey&nbsp;and hid in the wood for two days before they were moved onto a truck near the city of Yambol in southeastern Bulgaria. Additionally, Health Minister Asen Medzhidiev had also said that there had been “a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia.

Bulgarian police have arrested seven people in connection with the death of 18 migrants, including a child, from Afghanistan, said officials on Saturday (February 18), a day after they were found in an abandoned truck outside the capital city of Sofia. According to the initial investigations, the truck was transporting 52 people who were hiding under wooden planks out of which 18 died due to suffocation. The three arrests made on Saturday were in addition to the previous four detained suspects who are said to be Bulgarians, reported AFP. This incident may be one of the deadliest people smugglings in the country where there has been an uptick in the number of illegal border crossings. Reports suggest that the truck contained a group of Afghans who were coming from Turkey and were headed for western Europe as Bulgaria serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc. An interior ministry spokesperson told AFP, “I can confirm seven people have been arrested”, while another official reportedly said that the suspected ringleader was among those arrested. The alleged ringleader has a previous record of similar charges and had received a suspended jail sentence of five months for smuggling people. ALSO READ | Bulgarian authorities find 18 migrants dead in an abandoned truck 'illegally transporting' around 40 people On Friday, Bulgarian authorities said that 34 people, including five children, were rescued and rushed to the hospital. The country’s interior ministry also later reported that the truck was transporting timber and carrying illegal migrants hidden in compartments. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko, 12 km away from the capital city of Sofia. The head of the National Investigative Service, Borislav Sarafov, told reporters yesterday, that the migrants had crossed the border with neighbouring Turkey and hid in the wood for two days before they were moved onto a truck near the city of Yambol in southeastern Bulgaria. Additionally, Health Minister Asen Medzhidiev had also said that there had been “a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bulgarian cops arrest seven for death of 18 Afghan migrants found in an abandoned truck

UK and France signed an agreement worth $74 million to ramp up efforts to stop illegal migrants from making perilous journeys across the English Channel

UK and France sign deal on migrant crossings

In an effort to secure a deal with France to combat people smuggling, the UK government claimed Sunday that more than 40,000 migrants have already crossed the Channel to Britain this year, setting a new record.&nbsp;

The Ministry of Defence reported that the preliminary figure for this year is 40,885, significantly higher than the 28,561 from the previous year and made up primarily of Albanians, Iranians, and Afghans.&nbsp;

According to the report, 972 people were seen on Saturday attempting the dangerous passage in 22 boats.&nbsp;

For years, the numbers have been increasing. According to the UK, 299 were found crossing in 2018, 1,843 in 2019, and 8,466 in 2020.

Despite several UK measures, such as a scheme to relocate the migrants to Rwanda that was thwarted in court, the numbers have kept rising.&nbsp;

After his first in-person meeting with President Emmanuel Macron last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a new strategy reached with France was in the works.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/binance-halts-ftxs-ftt-token-deposits-urges-rivals-to-follow-533755">Binance halts FTX's FTT token deposits, urges rivals to follow</a>

In their discussions on Friday, James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, the foreign minister of France, "stressed the urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration, including small boat crossings and addressing their root causes."&nbsp;

Rising numbers have slowed the processing of asylum requests and driven up housing expenses, which the UK government estimates to be £6.8 million ($7.8 million) every day. This has put a burden on local services and fuelled public resentment.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to secure a deal with France to combat people smuggling, the UK government claimed Sunday that more than 40,000 migrants have already crossed the Channel to Britain this year, setting a new record.

In an effort to secure a deal with France to combat people smuggling, the UK government claimed Sunday that more than 40,000 migrants have already crossed the Channel to Britain this year, setting a new record. The Ministry of Defence reported that the preliminary figure for this year is 40,885, significantly higher than the 28,561 from the previous year and made up primarily of Albanians, Iranians, and Afghans. According to the report, 972 people were seen on Saturday attempting the dangerous passage in 22 boats. For years, the numbers have been increasing. According to the UK, 299 were found crossing in 2018, 1,843 in 2019, and 8,466 in 2020. Despite several UK measures, such as a scheme to relocate the migrants to Rwanda that was thwarted in court, the numbers have kept rising. After his first in-person meeting with President Emmanuel Macron last week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced that a new strategy reached with France was in the works. Also Read: Binance halts FTX's FTT token deposits, urges rivals to follow In their discussions on Friday, James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, the foreign minister of France, "stressed the urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration, including small boat crossings and addressing their root causes." Rising numbers have slowed the processing of asylum requests and driven up housing expenses, which the UK government estimates to be £6.8 million ($7.8 million) every day. This has put a burden on local services and fuelled public resentment. (with inputs from agencies)

Record 40,000 migrants crossed English Channel this year: UK

An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper.&nbsp;

According to the Telegraph newspaper, the deal would result in a large increase in the 200 French officers and volunteers who patrol Channel beaches, and France will strive to stop a "much higher" percentage of migrants from leaving.&nbsp;

It stated that France will consent to a joint control centre with British immigration officers stationed there.

James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, her French counterpart, released a statement on Friday highlighting the "urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration."&nbsp;

According to British authorities, an agreement is imminent.&nbsp;

On Saturday, representatives of the British and French governments chose not to comment on the reports.&nbsp;

The Express newspaper reported that an agreement would be reached in the coming week and that it would probably include additional British drones to find migrants hiding in sand dunes before they attempt the perilous crossings, which are sometimes made in flimsy dinghies.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-are-using-cantonese-to-criticise-zero-covid-amid-heavy-censorship-533560">Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship</a>

Small boats have carried almost 40,000 migrants across the English Channel so far this year, up from 28,526 last year. This has put pressure on Rishi Sunak, the incoming British Prime Minister, to find a method to reduce the flow.&nbsp;

After deteriorating under past prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who questioned whether French President Emmanuel Macron was a friend or foe during her candidacy for prime minister, relations between Britain and France have improved since Sunak entered office last month.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper.

An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper. According to the Telegraph newspaper, the deal would result in a large increase in the 200 French officers and volunteers who patrol Channel beaches, and France will strive to stop a "much higher" percentage of migrants from leaving. It stated that France will consent to a joint control centre with British immigration officers stationed there. James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, her French counterpart, released a statement on Friday highlighting the "urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration." According to British authorities, an agreement is imminent. On Saturday, representatives of the British and French governments chose not to comment on the reports. The Express newspaper reported that an agreement would be reached in the coming week and that it would probably include additional British drones to find migrants hiding in sand dunes before they attempt the perilous crossings, which are sometimes made in flimsy dinghies. Also Read: Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship Small boats have carried almost 40,000 migrants across the English Channel so far this year, up from 28,526 last year. This has put pressure on Rishi Sunak, the incoming British Prime Minister, to find a method to reduce the flow. After deteriorating under past prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who questioned whether French President Emmanuel Macron was a friend or foe during her candidacy for prime minister, relations between Britain and France have improved since Sunak entered office last month. (with inputs from agencies)

UK and France to strike deal to stop migrants from crossing English Channel

New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a state of emergency Friday in response to the continued arrival of illegal migrants from southern states.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams declares state of emergency amid migrant busing crisis

At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river&nbsp;in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said.&nbsp;Over 90 others were rescued.&nbsp;

The migrants were among scores of people crossing the river near Eagle Pass, a town in southern Texas that has become a major entry point for migrants in the last year, reports The New York Times.

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican officials said they found a large group of people unconscious after attempting to cross the swollen river following days of heavy rains.

US officials recovered six bodies, while Mexican teams found two others, CBP said in a statement.

US&nbsp;officials rescued 37 others from the river and detained 16 more, while Mexican officials took 39 migrants into custody. Officials on both sides of the border continue searching for any possible victims, the CBP said.

US officials detained 53 migrants, while Mexican officials took 39 into custody.

Officials from both sides said that they are searching for any possible victims.

So far it is unclear as to which country or countries the migrants belonged to as the officials did not provide any additional information.

The Del Rio region, including Eagle pass, sees a hub of illegal crossings and is fast emerging to be the busiest corridor for human trafficking.

Crossing the Río Grande river, which extends 245 miles (395 kilometres), is considered&nbsp; very dangerous because river currents can be deceptively fast and change quickly. Crossing the river can be challenging even for strong swimmers.

So far, the officials have thwarted migrants nearly 50,000 times in the sector in July, with Rio Grande Valley a distant second at about 35,000.

About 6 of 10 illegal crossings were migrants from Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua, according to reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said.

At least eight migrants drowned while attempting to cross Rio Grande river in particularly swift currents following heavy rains while trying to reach the United States, officials said. Over 90 others were rescued. The migrants were among scores of people crossing the river near Eagle Pass, a town in southern Texas that has become a major entry point for migrants in the last year, reports The New York Times. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Mexican officials said they found a large group of people unconscious after attempting to cross the swollen river following days of heavy rains. US officials recovered six bodies, while Mexican teams found two others, CBP said in a statement. US officials rescued 37 others from the river and detained 16 more, while Mexican officials took 39 migrants into custody. Officials on both sides of the border continue searching for any possible victims, the CBP said. US officials detained 53 migrants, while Mexican officials took 39 into custody. Officials from both sides said that they are searching for any possible victims. So far it is unclear as to which country or countries the migrants belonged to as the officials did not provide any additional information. The Del Rio region, including Eagle pass, sees a hub of illegal crossings and is fast emerging to be the busiest corridor for human trafficking. Crossing the Río Grande river, which extends 245 miles (395 kilometres), is considered very dangerous because river currents can be deceptively fast and change quickly. Crossing the river can be challenging even for strong swimmers. So far, the officials have thwarted migrants nearly 50,000 times in the sector in July, with Rio Grande Valley a distant second at about 35,000. About 6 of 10 illegal crossings were migrants from Venezuela, Cuba or Nicaragua, according to reports. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Eight migrants dead, 92 rescued while attempting to illegally enter US

Just a month after 53 people died in San Antonio, Texas, due to suffocation and dehydration while trying to enter the U.S. illegally, another shocking case has come to light, this time in Mexico.

A truck carrying about 94 people was heading from Mexico toward the U.S. border. However, the driver abandoned the vehicle ahead of a checkpoint, leaving everyone inside locked.

Realising they had been abandoned, people forced a way out of the top of the truck to escape the unbearable heat. Authorities found at least 94 people in and around the vehicle. Authorities also suspect some may have run away after escaping.

Many people were treated for ankle and knee fractures after jumping from the vehicle’s top. Paramedics also said that one unconscious man was taken to hospital.

Employees of a petrol station close to where the truck was abandoned helped the migrants to escape. Mexico’s national guard and navy patrolled the area searching for people hiding in any surrounding bushes.

Civil protection paramedic Cristóbal Cisneros Valencia said the migrants had “started to feel suffocated” and had struck the trailer’s roof until they broke through and could jump out.

“That is why most of the injuries we treated were ankle and knee fractures, with a damaged sense of balance,” he said.

Guatemala’s foreign ministry said 89 of those rescued were Guatemalan, including 55 adults, with the rest children and families. There were also five people from Honduras, four from Ecuador, two Indians, one Salvadoran and one Nepali.

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Just a month after 53 people died in San Antonio, Texas, due to suffocation and dehydration while trying to enter the U.S. illegally, another shocking case has come to light, this time in Mexico.

Just a month after 53 people died in San Antonio, Texas, due to suffocation and dehydration while trying to enter the U.S. illegally, another shocking case has come to light, this time in Mexico. A truck carrying about 94 people was heading from Mexico toward the U.S. border. However, the driver abandoned the vehicle ahead of a checkpoint, leaving everyone inside locked. Realising they had been abandoned, people forced a way out of the top of the truck to escape the unbearable heat. Authorities found at least 94 people in and around the vehicle. Authorities also suspect some may have run away after escaping. Many people were treated for ankle and knee fractures after jumping from the vehicle’s top. Paramedics also said that one unconscious man was taken to hospital. Employees of a petrol station close to where the truck was abandoned helped the migrants to escape. Mexico’s national guard and navy patrolled the area searching for people hiding in any surrounding bushes. Civil protection paramedic Cristóbal Cisneros Valencia said the migrants had “started to feel suffocated” and had struck the trailer’s roof until they broke through and could jump out. “That is why most of the injuries we treated were ankle and knee fractures, with a damaged sense of balance,” he said. Guatemala’s foreign ministry said 89 of those rescued were Guatemalan, including 55 adults, with the rest children and families. There were also five people from Honduras, four from Ecuador, two Indians, one Salvadoran and one Nepali. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

94 people rescued in Mexico after driver abandons vehicle carrying illegal migrants

Scores of protesters have been staging protests against “illegal migrants”. Members protested in what they called “Operation Dudula”.

Protest in South Africa against ‘illegal’ migrant workers

Workers from Myanmar have long sought employment in Thailand. In the days before the pandemic, a little more than two million Myanmar people lived and worked in the kingdom.

After the borders were closed in March 2020, migrants had no choice but to travel illegally.

While there is no official data on the size of the inflow, experts say one indicator is how many migrants have been caught by authorities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmars-aung-san-suu-kyi-jailed-for-four-years-for-inciting-dissent-against-military-434482">Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military</a>

According to Thai government figures, the number of arrests tripled after Myanmar's February 1 coup.

The number of migrants intercepted peaked in November 2020 at more than 6,000, an increase of more than tenfold from the 560 people arrested in January.

Geraldine Ansart, the chief of the International Organization for Migration's Thailand mission, said for each person arrested, "it is realistic to assume that... at least one other Myanmar national could cross the border without being apprehended".

Roisai Wongsuban, a Thai migrant rights activist, said the spike in arrivals was due to the economic crisis in Myanmar after the coup, which saw inflation soar and job opportunities disappear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/situation-has-not-improved-us-threatens-new-measures-against-myanmar-junta-437390">'Situation has not improved': US threatens new measures against Myanmar junta</a>

Food prices doubled as the value of the kyat plummeted against the US dollar, and fuel costs soared, she said. Many people became destitute.&nbsp;

"It is hard for ordinary people."

As a result of Covid-spurred border closures, seasonal workers who had travelled in and out of Thailand for years were left in limbo.&nbsp;

"The border has been closed for so long that there is no legal pathways for workers who want to come back to Thailand," Roisai added.

General Santipong Thammapiya, a spokesman for the Thai army, said it was mainly Thailand's reopening to tourists in November that had attracted workers from Myanmar -- many of whom work in the kingdom's vital industries, including the service sector.

"Workers... wanted to come back," he said while speaking to AFP. "They also trust the Thai healthcare system, which can provide treatment for Covid."

In Thailand, the demand for Myanmar workers is high; however, given their status, they are forced to accept lower wages.

Thailand is facing a shortage of 200,000 workers, according to the labour ministry.

Also read |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is India's Myanmar strategy?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-indias-myanmar-strategy-439755/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, according to Santipong, Bangkok does not tolerate illegal migration, and those arrested are sent to the courts for legal proceedings, followed by repatriation.

Despite obstacles, two people smugglers who operate near the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing in Kanchanaburi province told news agency AFP that they have been doing well.

Desperation drives thousands to pay 13,000 baht to 25,000 baht ($380 to $750) to cross.

"Some are arrested, but there are even more people who are not," said one smuggler on condition of anonymity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Workers from Myanmar have long sought employment in Thailand. In the days before the pandemic, a little more than two million Myanmar people lived and worked in the kingdom.

Workers from Myanmar have long sought employment in Thailand. In the days before the pandemic, a little more than two million Myanmar people lived and worked in the kingdom. After the borders were closed in March 2020, migrants had no choice but to travel illegally. While there is no official data on the size of the inflow, experts say one indicator is how many migrants have been caught by authorities. Also read | Myanmar's Aung San Suu Kyi jailed for four years for inciting dissent against military According to Thai government figures, the number of arrests tripled after Myanmar's February 1 coup. The number of migrants intercepted peaked in November 2020 at more than 6,000, an increase of more than tenfold from the 560 people arrested in January. Geraldine Ansart, the chief of the International Organization for Migration's Thailand mission, said for each person arrested, "it is realistic to assume that... at least one other Myanmar national could cross the border without being apprehended". Roisai Wongsuban, a Thai migrant rights activist, said the spike in arrivals was due to the economic crisis in Myanmar after the coup, which saw inflation soar and job opportunities disappear. Also read | 'Situation has not improved': US threatens new measures against Myanmar junta Food prices doubled as the value of the kyat plummeted against the US dollar, and fuel costs soared, she said. Many people became destitute. "It is hard for ordinary people." As a result of Covid-spurred border closures, seasonal workers who had travelled in and out of Thailand for years were left in limbo. "The border has been closed for so long that there is no legal pathways for workers who want to come back to Thailand," Roisai added. General Santipong Thammapiya, a spokesman for the Thai army, said it was mainly Thailand's reopening to tourists in November that had attracted workers from Myanmar -- many of whom work in the kingdom's vital industries, including the service sector. "Workers... wanted to come back," he said while speaking to AFP. "They also trust the Thai healthcare system, which can provide treatment for Covid." In Thailand, the demand for Myanmar workers is high; however, given their status, they are forced to accept lower wages. Thailand is facing a shortage of 200,000 workers, according to the labour ministry. Also read | Gravitas: What is India's Myanmar strategy? However, according to Santipong, Bangkok does not tolerate illegal migration, and those arrested are sent to the courts for legal proceedings, followed by repatriation. Despite obstacles, two people smugglers who operate near the Three Pagodas Pass border crossing in Kanchanaburi province told news agency AFP that they have been doing well. Desperation drives thousands to pay 13,000 baht to 25,000 baht ($380 to $750) to cross. "Some are arrested, but there are even more people who are not," said one smuggler on condition of anonymity. (With inputs from agencies)

'Hard for ordinary people': High prices, poverty forces thousands in Myanmar to illegally cross into Thailand

At least 53 people were killed and many more were injured in a tragic truck accident in southern Mexico on Thursday, with the majority of the fatalities believed to be Central American migrants.

According to the chief of the state Civil Protection Service, Luis Manuel Garca, the disaster occurred when a truck carrying more than 100 people toppled on Thursday afternoon near Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital, in southern Chiapas state.

With at least three individuals critically injured, the death toll could grow. The tragedy is one of the deadliest involving migrants in decades, and it comes after a car collision on the US-Mexico border killed 13 migrants in March.

Freight trucks transporting so many individuals in migrant-smuggling operations in southern Mexico are not uncommon.

The accident occurred on a highway going to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital of Chiapas.

Victims were strewn across the pavement and inside the truck's freight compartment, according to photos taken at the scene. 
 
Watch | Migrants found crammed in trucks in Mexico

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrants-found-crammed-in-trucks-in-mexico-430894/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The victims seemed to be Central American immigrants, but their nationalities were not confirmed.&nbsp;

Mexican officials have attempted to stop migrants from marching in large groups toward the US border in recent months, but migrant smuggling has continued clandestinely and illegally. 
 
Watch | US strikes agreement with Mexico, Honduras and Gautemala to secure borders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-strikes-agreement-with-mexico-honduras-and-gautemala-to-secure-borders-377305/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In one of the greatest busts in recent memory, authorities in the northern border state of Tamaulipas discovered 652 mostly Central American migrants crowded into a convoy of six freight trucks moving toward the US border in October.

Migrants who are involved in major accidents are frequently allowed to remain in Mexico, at least temporarily, because they are both witnesses and victims of crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 53 people were killed and many more were injured in a tragic truck accident in southern Mexico on Thursday, with the majority of the fatalities believed to be Central American migrants.

At least 53 people were killed and many more were injured in a tragic truck accident in southern Mexico on Thursday, with the majority of the fatalities believed to be Central American migrants. According to the chief of the state Civil Protection Service, Luis Manuel Garca, the disaster occurred when a truck carrying more than 100 people toppled on Thursday afternoon near Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the capital, in southern Chiapas state. With at least three individuals critically injured, the death toll could grow. The tragedy is one of the deadliest involving migrants in decades, and it comes after a car collision on the US-Mexico border killed 13 migrants in March. Freight trucks transporting so many individuals in migrant-smuggling operations in southern Mexico are not uncommon. The accident occurred on a highway going to Tuxtla Gutiérrez, the state capital of Chiapas. Victims were strewn across the pavement and inside the truck's freight compartment, according to photos taken at the scene. Watch | Migrants found crammed in trucks in Mexico The victims seemed to be Central American immigrants, but their nationalities were not confirmed. Mexican officials have attempted to stop migrants from marching in large groups toward the US border in recent months, but migrant smuggling has continued clandestinely and illegally. Watch | US strikes agreement with Mexico, Honduras and Gautemala to secure borders In one of the greatest busts in recent memory, authorities in the northern border state of Tamaulipas discovered 652 mostly Central American migrants crowded into a convoy of six freight trucks moving toward the US border in October. Migrants who are involved in major accidents are frequently allowed to remain in Mexico, at least temporarily, because they are both witnesses and victims of crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 53 migrants killed, 58 injured in a cargo truck accident in southern Mexico

Lithuania has accused Belarus of using refugees and illegal migrants as a 'political weapon' to put pressure on the European Union because of the bloc's sanctions on Minsk.

Lithuania accused Belarus of using refugees and illegal migrants as 'political weapon'

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured.

Within few minutes of the deadly accident, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters, gendarmerie, and teams of medical experts were rushed to the scene of the crash.

While the exact cause of the accident is not yet clear, local media has reported that the minibus caught fire and the flames took some time to be extinguished.

As of now, all the injured people have been transferred to a nearby hospital. The owner of the bus was detained by the authorities.

Among the 12 dead, 11 were illegal immigrants and one was the person who had helped organise this illegal transporting,&nbsp;the authorities were quoted as saying on Sunday.

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured.

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured. Within few minutes of the deadly accident, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters, gendarmerie, and teams of medical experts were rushed to the scene of the crash. While the exact cause of the accident is not yet clear, local media has reported that the minibus caught fire and the flames took some time to be extinguished. As of now, all the injured people have been transferred to a nearby hospital. The owner of the bus was detained by the authorities. Among the 12 dead, 11 were illegal immigrants and one was the person who had helped organise this illegal transporting, the authorities were quoted as saying on Sunday.

12 dead, 20 injured as minibus carrying illegal migrants crashes in Turkey

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The NAO, Britain's spending watchdog, said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the UK with no legal right to remain and since then independent estimates indicate that figure could have nearly doubled, but there is no validated assessment available.

"The Home Office does not have an up-to-date estimate of how many people have no right to remain in the UK," notes the NAO report on 'Immigration Enforcement' released on Wednesday.

"Its last estimate was around 430,000 people in 2005. More recent estimates from other organizations suggest the population might have doubled, although the NAO has not validated these estimates," it said.

The highest estimate of the illegal population in the UK is 1.2 million, given by the Pew Research Centre last year, although the NAO stressed it had not attempted to verify that figure.

"Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [the department] developed, such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally," the NAO said.

The NAO's report into the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity, which was set between 240,000 and 320,000 cases a year.

But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling.

"Due to data quality issues, Immigration Enforcement cannot say whether the number of people 'genuinely putting a demand' on its activities is increasing or decreasing," it said.

It suggested the Home Office should look at how other parts of government come up with estimates of "hidden activity", such as serious and organized crime, which it said could help to "improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK".

The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives, the Home Office often cannot demonstrate whether its measures are working.

'The Home Office's vision for Immigration Enforcement is to 'reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes'.

It supports this vision through its operational missions of preventing illegal migration through greater compliance with laws, tackling threats associated with immigration offending and maximizing returns of the illegal population and foreign national offenders to their country of origin, the report notes.

"Despite introducing significant changes to its enforcement activity, the Home Office cannot fully demonstrate that the actions of its Immigration Enforcement directorate are helping it to achieve its objectives," it said.

In the past year to October 2019, detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900.

However, the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being made or if there was better detection.

A Home Office spokesperson said that the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) meant that it had taken back full control of the immigration system.

"As this report acknowledges, the nature of immigration crime and offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organized gangs behind it," the spokesperson said.

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found.

The UK government has no estimate of the number of illegal migrants living in the country because no figures have been produced for 15 years, a new National Audit Office (NAO) report has found. The NAO, Britain's spending watchdog, said the last estimate in 2005 suggested there were around 430,000 people in the UK with no legal right to remain and since then independent estimates indicate that figure could have nearly doubled, but there is no validated assessment available. "The Home Office does not have an up-to-date estimate of how many people have no right to remain in the UK," notes the NAO report on 'Immigration Enforcement' released on Wednesday. "Its last estimate was around 430,000 people in 2005. More recent estimates from other organizations suggest the population might have doubled, although the NAO has not validated these estimates," it said. The highest estimate of the illegal population in the UK is 1.2 million, given by the Pew Research Centre last year, although the NAO stressed it had not attempted to verify that figure. "Although there would be significant uncertainty around any estimate it [the department] developed, such an estimate could help the department to demonstrate that its activities are effective in deterring attempts to enter or remain in the UK illegally," the NAO said. The NAO's report into the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement Directorate said the department had estimated demand for immigration enforcement activity, which was set between 240,000 and 320,000 cases a year. But the report said there was no baseline given against which progress can be measured or to demonstrate whether demand is rising or falling. "Due to data quality issues, Immigration Enforcement cannot say whether the number of people 'genuinely putting a demand' on its activities is increasing or decreasing," it said. It suggested the Home Office should look at how other parts of government come up with estimates of "hidden activity", such as serious and organized crime, which it said could help to "improve its understanding of the full scale of the illegal population in the UK". The watchdog concluded that despite collecting information around its mission and objectives, the Home Office often cannot demonstrate whether its measures are working. 'The Home Office's vision for Immigration Enforcement is to 'reduce the size of the illegal population and the harm it causes'. It supports this vision through its operational missions of preventing illegal migration through greater compliance with laws, tackling threats associated with immigration offending and maximizing returns of the illegal population and foreign national offenders to their country of origin, the report notes. "Despite introducing significant changes to its enforcement activity, the Home Office cannot fully demonstrate that the actions of its Immigration Enforcement directorate are helping it to achieve its objectives," it said. In the past year to October 2019, detected attempts by people to come into the UK by clandestine means increased to 46,900. However, the NAO said it was not clear if this was because more attempts were being made or if there was better detection. A Home Office spokesperson said that the UK's exit from the European Union (EU) meant that it had taken back full control of the immigration system. "As this report acknowledges, the nature of immigration crime and offending is complicated and we are consistently looking at ways to get ahead of the organized gangs behind it," the spokesperson said.

UK unaware of level of illegal migrants in country, audit report finds

The United States this week will deport 161 Indian nationals, most of whom had entered the country from its southern border with Mexico and have exhausted all legal options.

A special chartered flight will take them to Punjab's Amritsar.

Among those on the list to be deported, the maximum 76 are from Haryana, followed by 56 from Punjab; 12 from Gujarat; five from Uttar Pradesh; four from Maharashtra; two each from Kerala, Telengana and Tamil Nadu; and each from Andhra Pradesh and Goa.

According to Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director, North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), they are from among the 1,739 Indians languishing in 95 jails across the US.

They were arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE while trying to enter the United States illegally.

According to an ICE report, the US deported 611 Indian nationals in 2018, which rose over two-and-a-half times to 1,616 in 2019.

NAPA said among the 161 to be deported to India, three are women. The youngest of them are two 19-year-old youths from Haryana.

"The fate of the remaining Indians languishing in the US jails is still unknown," Satnam Singh Chahal said.

Though there is no data to show from which Indian states those languishing in the US jails came, most of them are believed to be from North India.

Most detainees had asked for asylum, claiming that they experienced violence or persecution in their home country.

Over the past a few years, US judges did not buy their argument and dismissed their applications.

Satnam Singh Chahal, who has been working among them for years, alleged that there is a nexus of human traffickers and officials in north India, especially Punjab, who encourage young people to leave their homes and illegally enter the US.

These middlemen and agents charge Rs 35-50 lakh from each individual.

In a statement, Satnam Singh Chahal urged the Punjab government and the Centre to take action against illegal agents.

The United States this week will deport 161 Indian nationals, most of whom had entered the country from its southern border with Mexico and have exhausted all legal options.

The United States this week will deport 161 Indian nationals, most of whom had entered the country from its southern border with Mexico and have exhausted all legal options. A special chartered flight will take them to Punjab's Amritsar. Among those on the list to be deported, the maximum 76 are from Haryana, followed by 56 from Punjab; 12 from Gujarat; five from Uttar Pradesh; four from Maharashtra; two each from Kerala, Telengana and Tamil Nadu; and each from Andhra Pradesh and Goa. According to Satnam Singh Chahal, executive director, North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), they are from among the 1,739 Indians languishing in 95 jails across the US. They were arrested by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement or ICE while trying to enter the United States illegally. According to an ICE report, the US deported 611 Indian nationals in 2018, which rose over two-and-a-half times to 1,616 in 2019. NAPA said among the 161 to be deported to India, three are women. The youngest of them are two 19-year-old youths from Haryana. "The fate of the remaining Indians languishing in the US jails is still unknown," Satnam Singh Chahal said. Though there is no data to show from which Indian states those languishing in the US jails came, most of them are believed to be from North India. Most detainees had asked for asylum, claiming that they experienced violence or persecution in their home country. Over the past a few years, US judges did not buy their argument and dismissed their applications. Satnam Singh Chahal, who has been working among them for years, alleged that there is a nexus of human traffickers and officials in north India, especially Punjab, who encourage young people to leave their homes and illegally enter the US. These middlemen and agents charge Rs 35-50 lakh from each individual. In a statement, Satnam Singh Chahal urged the Punjab government and the Centre to take action against illegal agents.

US to deport 161 Indians who were arrested for entering illegally

The number of illegal migrants entering Europe has fallen since April after the European Union sealed a deal with Turkey to halt flows across the Aegean Sea, the border agency said, and Italy has become the new frontline for refugees, mostly from Libya. 
 
&quot;For the first six months of 2016, there were 360,000 illegal entries in the EU, which is higher than what we saw last year, but the influx has been diminishing since April,&quot; Fabrice Leggeri, executive director of Frontex, the agency in charge of protecting the bloc&#39;s external borders, told Europe 1 Radio. 
 
Leggeri said Italy had overtaken Greece as the primary point of entry and most migrants were now embarking for Europe in Libya. About 750 were arriving in Italy daily compared with about 50 in Greece. 
 
&quot;So the new frontline is Italy,&quot; he said. 
 
In all of 2015, Frontex recorded more than 1.5 million irregular border crossings into Europe, mostly to Greece before marching north to Germany and Sweden, fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere. 
 
A Frontex spokesman said the EU-Turkey deal, under which Turkey agreed to halt illegal migration through its territory in return for financial and political rewards, and the closure of the Greece-Macedonia border earlier this year, were the two main reasons behind the declining figures. 
 
Leggeri was speaking ahead of a news conference on plans for the agency&#39;s future later on Tuesday. 
 
Most of those arriving in Italy were from sub-Saharan Africa, he said. 
 
A humanitarian group said it had recovered the bodies of four migrants and rescued around 400 survivors on Tuesday from an overcrowded wooden boat in the Mediterranean en route to Italy from Libya. The dead suffocated below deck, the Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station, whose rescue ship carried out the operation, said on Twitter. 
 
The EU is preparing to rename Frontex, based in Warsaw, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, with a two-fold increase in staff and funding worth 322 million euros by 2020. 
 
Border protection would remain a national responsibility and the agency will continue to rely on EU capitals for contributions to a proposed pool of 1,500 border guards ready for quick deployment to any crisis spot. 
 
(Reuters)

The EU-Turkey deal and the closure of Greece-Macedonian border are the two main reasons for declining figures

The number of illegal migrants entering Europe has fallen since April after the European Union sealed a deal with Turkey to halt flows across the Aegean Sea, the border agency said, and Italy has become the new frontline for refugees, mostly from Libya. "For the first six months of 2016, there were 360,000 illegal entries in the EU, which is higher than what we saw last year, but the influx has been diminishing since April," Fabrice Leggeri, executive director of Frontex, the agency in charge of protecting the bloc's external borders, told Europe 1 Radio. Leggeri said Italy had overtaken Greece as the primary point of entry and most migrants were now embarking for Europe in Libya. About 750 were arriving in Italy daily compared with about 50 in Greece. "So the new frontline is Italy," he said. In all of 2015, Frontex recorded more than 1.5 million irregular border crossings into Europe, mostly to Greece before marching north to Germany and Sweden, fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East, North Africa and elsewhere. A Frontex spokesman said the EU-Turkey deal, under which Turkey agreed to halt illegal migration through its territory in return for financial and political rewards, and the closure of the Greece-Macedonia border earlier this year, were the two main reasons behind the declining figures. Leggeri was speaking ahead of a news conference on plans for the agency's future later on Tuesday. Most of those arriving in Italy were from sub-Saharan Africa, he said. A humanitarian group said it had recovered the bodies of four migrants and rescued around 400 survivors on Tuesday from an overcrowded wooden boat in the Mediterranean en route to Italy from Libya. The dead suffocated below deck, the Malta-based Migrant Offshore Aid Station, whose rescue ship carried out the operation, said on Twitter. The EU is preparing to rename Frontex, based in Warsaw, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, with a two-fold increase in staff and funding worth 322 million euros by 2020. Border protection would remain a national responsibility and the agency will continue to rely on EU capitals for contributions to a proposed pool of 1,500 border guards ready for quick deployment to any crisis spot. (Reuters)

EU migrant influx descreasing since April says border agency

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