Twelve children were among the at least 60 people who perished after a wooden sailing boat bringing migrants to Europe collided with rocks close to the southern Italian coast early on Sunday, according to authorities.

Italy Migrant Boat Shipwreck Tragedy: Nearly 60 migrants killed

A migrant boat shipwreck in southern Italy has resulted in more than 45 fatalities and 40 survivors reported so far, according to a representative for the Italian fire department on Sunday. The shipwreck occurred not far from Steccato di Cutro, a beach town on Calabria's eastern coast and the toe of Italy's boot.

45 migrants die in Southern Coast of Italy, 40 survivors reported so far

The Bulgarian interior ministry, on Friday (February 17) said that they found at least 18 migrants dead as they were hiding in a truck with at least 40 others “under some wood”. This comes as the European Union nation has been struggling with illegal border crossings and this incident may be one of the deadliest involving migrants. According to local media reports, the migrants were to be transported from the Bulgarian-Turkish border to Dragoman which is close to the border with neighbouring, Serbia.&nbsp;

"According to initial information, the truck was illegally transporting around 40 migrants hidden under some wood. According to what we know so far, 18 of them have died," said the Bulgarian authorities, in a statement, as per AFP. Additionally, the interior ministry also said that the survivors are being taken to the hospital for treatment.&nbsp;

The Bulgarian health emergency centre also told the state news agency BTA, eight were rushed to the hospital in grave condition. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko which is 12 km away from Sofia. The statement also said that the police are looking for the truck's drivers who fled and are believed to be human traffickers.&nbsp;

According to the Bulgarian Health Minister, Asen Medzhidiev, 34 migrants including five children were rushed to the&nbsp;hospitals in the capital city as some were in critical but stable condition, reported Reuters. He added, “There has been a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.”

The EU nation which serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc has been trying to tighten security along its border with Turkiye in a bid to stop the increasing number of migrants crossing. Notably, last year, Austria and the Netherlands blocked Sofia’s bid to join the Schengen border-free zone citing security concerns.&nbsp;

This also comes amid Bulgaria facing accusations of abusing migrants trying to cross the 234-kilometre border with Turkiye as asylum seekers have reportedly said that they have been locked up, stripped and beaten.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Bulgarian interior ministry, on Friday (February 17) said that they found at least 18 migrants dead as they were hiding in a truck with at least 40 others “under some wood”.

The Bulgarian interior ministry, on Friday (February 17) said that they found at least 18 migrants dead as they were hiding in a truck with at least 40 others “under some wood”. This comes as the European Union nation has been struggling with illegal border crossings and this incident may be one of the deadliest involving migrants. According to local media reports, the migrants were to be transported from the Bulgarian-Turkish border to Dragoman which is close to the border with neighbouring, Serbia. "According to initial information, the truck was illegally transporting around 40 migrants hidden under some wood. According to what we know so far, 18 of them have died," said the Bulgarian authorities, in a statement, as per AFP. Additionally, the interior ministry also said that the survivors are being taken to the hospital for treatment. The Bulgarian health emergency centre also told the state news agency BTA, eight were rushed to the hospital in grave condition. According to reports, the local residents alerted the police about the vehicle which was found abandoned near the village of Lokorsko which is 12 km away from Sofia. The statement also said that the police are looking for the truck's drivers who fled and are believed to be human traffickers. According to the Bulgarian Health Minister, Asen Medzhidiev, 34 migrants including five children were rushed to the hospitals in the capital city as some were in critical but stable condition, reported Reuters. He added, “There has been a lack of oxygen to those who were locked in this truck. They were freezing, wet, they have not eaten for several days.” The EU nation which serves as a gateway to the 27-nation bloc has been trying to tighten security along its border with Turkiye in a bid to stop the increasing number of migrants crossing. Notably, last year, Austria and the Netherlands blocked Sofia’s bid to join the Schengen border-free zone citing security concerns. This also comes amid Bulgaria facing accusations of abusing migrants trying to cross the 234-kilometre border with Turkiye as asylum seekers have reportedly said that they have been locked up, stripped and beaten. (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 authorities find 18 migrants dead in an abandoned truck 'illegally transporting' around 40 people

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) says it has seized over 6,000 national identity and voter cards from migrants in 21 border states. 3,823 identity cards and 2,393 voter cards unlawfully were possessed by migrants were intercepted and confiscated in about 23 states. WION’s Louisa Olaniyi explains.

NIS seizes 6,216 national IDs, PVCs from migrants

A Canadian immigration official in Quebec has claimed that New York is sending migrants to the country's border illegally.

Quebec immigration minister Christine Fréchette told reporters in Montreal that she was taken aback by the reports and stressed the need to address this problem immediately, according to BBC.

“We need to solve the problem of Roxham Road,” Fréchette said on Tuesday, referring to an unofficial border crossing south of Montreal used by thousands of asylum seekers every year.

“I think it makes the urgency of the situation even more apparent," Fréchette added.

The minister’s comment days after New York City mayor Eric Adams’ remarks that his administration was assisting migrants who had been sent to his city but wanted to go elsewhere.

"Some want to go to Canada, some want to go to warmer states, and we are there for them as they continue to move on with their pursuit of this dream," Adams told Fox 5 on Monday.

He further confirmed that the city was providing free bus tickets for migrants.

"If they are seeking to go somewhere else, we are helping in the reticketing process," he was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, Fréchette further said that Canada and the US were negotiating to amend the Safe Third Country Agreement, which was signed in 2002.

The treaty allows migrants to make an asylum claim in the first country they enter, whether it is the US or Canada.

However, the treaty only applies to those who use the official border crossing. Roxham Road is not the official border.

It is understood that this flaw allows the migrants arriving from New York to have their asylum cases heard by Canadian immigration authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A Canadian immigration official in Quebec has claimed that New York is sending migrants to the country's border illegally. Quebec immigration minister Christine Fréchette told reporters in Montreal that she was taken aback by the reports and stressed the need to address this problem immediately, according to BBC.

A Canadian immigration official in Quebec has claimed that New York is sending migrants to the country's border illegally. Quebec immigration minister Christine Fréchette told reporters in Montreal that she was taken aback by the reports and stressed the need to address this problem immediately, according to BBC. “We need to solve the problem of Roxham Road,” Fréchette said on Tuesday, referring to an unofficial border crossing south of Montreal used by thousands of asylum seekers every year. “I think it makes the urgency of the situation even more apparent," Fréchette added. The minister’s comment days after New York City mayor Eric Adams’ remarks that his administration was assisting migrants who had been sent to his city but wanted to go elsewhere. "Some want to go to Canada, some want to go to warmer states, and we are there for them as they continue to move on with their pursuit of this dream," Adams told Fox 5 on Monday. He further confirmed that the city was providing free bus tickets for migrants. "If they are seeking to go somewhere else, we are helping in the reticketing process," he was quoted as saying. Meanwhile, Fréchette further said that Canada and the US were negotiating to amend the Safe Third Country Agreement, which was signed in 2002. The treaty allows migrants to make an asylum claim in the first country they enter, whether it is the US or Canada. However, the treaty only applies to those who use the official border crossing. Roxham Road is not the official border. It is understood that this flaw allows the migrants arriving from New York to have their asylum cases heard by Canadian immigration authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Canadian immigration minister claims New York sending migrants to country

In an unprecedented visit by a New York City mayor to the Mexico border, Eric Adams said his city doesn’t have enough "room" to host more migrants. This announcement comes as a blow to hundreds of migrants seeking to take refuge in the city.

Mayor Eric Adams says 'no room in for migrants' in New York City

Just after US President Joe Biden's visit to Mexico border, New York City Mayor also paid a visit to a border city and declared that there is no room for migrants in New York. This announcement comes as a blow to hundreds of migrants seeking to take refuge in the city.

US: NYC Mayor Eric Adams says, 'No room for migrants' | English News | WION

Several hundred migrants marched through the streets of El Paso ahead of President Joe Biden's visit to US-Mexico border. Around 300 migrants have taken refuge on footpaths outside an El Paso church, amid new restrictions meant to crack down on illegal border crossings.

Hundreds march in El Paso ahead of Biden's visit to US-Mexico border town

US President Joe Biden has attempted a balancing act on a sensitive issue - migration - and the US President has warned undocumented migrants to stay away from the US border. But, he has opened doors for limited legal migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

US President Biden's balancing act on migration, to allow 30,000 migrants to enter by air per month

In 2022, more than 45,000 migrants were reported to have crossed the English Channel from mainland Europe to the UK, breaking the record of the previous years.

Record number of migrants crossed English Channel to UK in 2022

In a setback for migrants seeking refuge in the United States, the US Supreme Court has voted to keep Title 42 in place. The Trump-era policy blocked thousands of people from crossing the US-Mexico border. Title 42 gives the US government power automatically expel undocumented migrants seeking entry inside the country.

US Top Court rules to keep Title 42 in place; White House urges 'comprehensive' immigration reforms

Hundreds of migrants prepared to camp in the cold at Mexico’s northern border over Christmas, hoping for a swift reversal in U.S. migration restrictions as they endure the bite of a winter storm ravaging the United States.

WION Climate Tracker: Over hundred migrants face freezing Christmas at US-Mexico border

A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed.&nbsp;British radio station LBC has earlier said that 43 people had been rescued and a small number had died.&nbsp;

According to media reports, lifeboats, helicopters and rescue teams are working&nbsp;with the French and British navies to respond to the event. A government spokesperson, in a statement, said that "At 3:05 (GMT) today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress."

It added, "After a coordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident." The spokesperson also said that an investigation&nbsp;is underway.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, ambulances and emergency crews gathered on the quayside at the port of Dover to handle the sinking incident. According to Sky News, some of the migrants were transferred to a hospital in Kent's Ashford town.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter, British interior minister Suella Braverman tweeted, "I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.''

The sinking incident comes a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to toughen the laws to stop the small boats crossing the Channel, including legislation to prevent migrants from remaining in the country, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

In the last week, temperatures have plunged across Britain. Despite this, over 500 migrants have made the journey in small boats since the weekend alone.&nbsp;

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A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed.

A small boat carrying around 40 migrants sunk off the southeastern coast of England in freezing temperatures, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Subsequently, the British government confirmed the incident and said that four people were killed. British radio station LBC has earlier said that 43 people had been rescued and a small number had died. According to media reports, lifeboats, helicopters and rescue teams are working with the French and British navies to respond to the event. A government spokesperson, in a statement, said that "At 3:05 (GMT) today, authorities were alerted to an incident in the Channel concerning a migrant small boat in distress." It added, "After a coordinated search and rescue operation led by HM Coastguard, it is with regret that there have been four confirmed deaths as a result of this incident." The spokesperson also said that an investigation is underway. On Wednesday, ambulances and emergency crews gathered on the quayside at the port of Dover to handle the sinking incident. According to Sky News, some of the migrants were transferred to a hospital in Kent's Ashford town. Taking to Twitter, British interior minister Suella Braverman tweeted, "I am aware of a distressing incident in the Channel this morning and I am being kept constantly updated while agencies respond and urgently establish the full facts. My heartfelt thoughts are with all those involved.'' The sinking incident comes a day after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced plans to toughen the laws to stop the small boats crossing the Channel, including legislation to prevent migrants from remaining in the country, Reuters reported. In the last week, temperatures have plunged across Britain. Despite this, over 500 migrants have made the journey in small boats since the weekend alone. 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.

UK: Boat carrying migrants sinks off English Coast, four dead

A commercial plane had to make an emergency landing at Barcelona's El Prat airport on Wednesday (December 7) after a reported medical event on board. According to the Spanish government, as soon as the plane landed, 28 passengers fled across the tarmac.

Police initially detained 14 people, including a pregnant woman who officials claim pretended that her water had broken, prompting the emergency landing, the government said.

The police arrested two people later. One of them was apprehended inside the airport while the other was nabbed outside.

The pregnant woman was checked in hospital and found not to be in labour, the government said.

Twelve other people are yet to be located.

The plane was flying from Morocco to Turkey and was operated by Turkey's Pegasus Airlines.

Five of those detained were immediately put back on the plane while at least eight are to be deported to Morocco.

The plane was carrying a total of 228 passengers from Casablanca to Istanbul.

In October last year, a group of passengers fled a plane onto the runway at Spain's Mallorca island following an emergency landing under a false pretext and 12 of them were arrested, while another 12 escaped.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A commercial plane had to make an emergency landing at Barcelona's El Prat airport on Wednesday (December 7) after a reported medical event on board. According to the Spanish government, as soon as the plane landed, 28 passengers fled across the tarmac.

A commercial plane had to make an emergency landing at Barcelona's El Prat airport on Wednesday (December 7) after a reported medical event on board. According to the Spanish government, as soon as the plane landed, 28 passengers fled across the tarmac. Police initially detained 14 people, including a pregnant woman who officials claim pretended that her water had broken, prompting the emergency landing, the government said. The police arrested two people later. One of them was apprehended inside the airport while the other was nabbed outside. The pregnant woman was checked in hospital and found not to be in labour, the government said. Twelve other people are yet to be located. The plane was flying from Morocco to Turkey and was operated by Turkey's Pegasus Airlines. Five of those detained were immediately put back on the plane while at least eight are to be deported to Morocco. The plane was carrying a total of 228 passengers from Casablanca to Istanbul. In October last year, a group of passengers fled a plane onto the runway at Spain's Mallorca island following an emergency landing under a false pretext and 12 of them were arrested, while another 12 escaped. (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 ×

Spain: Migrants force emergency landing of plane, flee across tarmac

A migrant’s camp set up on the Mexican side of the border with the US was dismantled by the Mexico police on Sunday due to security reasons, a local official said. The camps had been set up by around 600 migrants mostly from Venezuela in the city of Ciudad Juarez.

Police dismantle Mexican migrant camps at US border citing 'security' as reason

As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems.

The failure of Western policymakers to adopt an approach that would have served Europe’s longer-term security interests and sought to end Syria’s suffering in ways that may have held out the promise of a sustainable resolution of the conflict is compounded by the failure to exploit what was always a fragile alliance between Russia and NATO-member Turkey.

With that alliance under strain, both in Syria, where Russia has warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace, and in Libya, where the two allies support opposing sides, multiple regional conflicts have begun to mesh.

Some analysts have suggested that Russia was seeking to enlist the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Syria so that it could dump Turkey with which it is on the brink of military blows. The two Gulf states oppose Turkish ambitions in the Middle East and beyond.

The analysts point to recent contacts between Emirati, Russian and Syrian officials and the establishment of relations between Syria and Libya’s UAE and Russian-backed rebel force led by renegade commander Khalifa Haftar.

The various manoeuvres constitute variations on a theme.

The international community, including Russia, did little in the early years of the war to stop militant groups and regional powers from contributing to the violence by exploiting Syria’s power vacuum to their immediate advantage. That changed selectively when the Islamic State gained a territorial foothold in Syria and Iraq.

Similarly, much of the international community falsely assumed that a Syrian victory in Idlib, Syria’s last rebel stronghold, would create a fait accompli that Turkey would accept and that would pave the way to an end to the war and reconstruction.

Like in much of the Middle East where a failure to put one’s ears to the ground and hear the widespread discontent simmering at the surface that produced a decade of revolution and brutal counterrevolution, neither Russia nor its detractors read the writing on Syria’s walls.

If militants and external powers turned what started in 2011 as peaceful protests demanding reform rather than the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the international community failed to recognise that nine years later criticism of the regime is widespread among an impoverished population traumatised by war.

Rather than creating an environment for reconciliation and reconstruction, Russian-supported Syrian military successes in retaking territory from rebels by force or in negotiated handovers have not been accompanied by a relieving of economic and social hardship, sparking intermittent anti-government protests and stepped up repression.

Much of the criticism focuses on the government’s failure to improve economic and living conditions, but like in the early days of the popular revolt, shies away from calls for regime change.

The improbability of a Russian-Syrian military victory putting Syria on a road towards peaceful resolution and recovery is highlighted by the fact that snap polling suggests that less than ten per cent of the millions of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons would be willing to return to or remain in a country that continues to be ruled by Al-Assad and his regime.

As a result, Russia and Al-Assad appear to have adopted the kind of scorched earth policy that Israel’s military rejected in the late 1980s during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising.

In contrast to the military that told then Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin that the resolution needed to be political because the cost of a military solution would be too high, Russia and Al-Assad have concluded that no cost is too high. It is an approach that emulates Russia’s brutal crushing of rebellions in Chechnya in the 1990s.

“Russia realised that it cannot cement its military victories into permanent political gains through diplomacy within the projected remaining lifetime of the regime. Instead, it decided to employ the ‘Grozny doctrine’ of complete annihilation of all those who stand in the way of its strategic goals and bring the conflict to an end before the regime collapses,” said Syrian activist Labib al-Nahhas De La Ossa, referring to the Chechen capital that was virtually destroyed by Russian forces.

It's an approach that in violation of international law takes no heed of the consequences for innocent millions in Idlib or the fact that many, rather than supporting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an erstwhile Al-Qaeda affiliate that controls part of the province, have repeatedly protested against it.

It's also an approach that potentially could spark a renewed refugee crisis in Europe with Turkey, already home to some four million refugees, no longer stopping fleeing Syrians and others from trying to cross its Greek and Bulgarian borders with the European Union.

Russia, in a cynical twist of irony, would likely be happy to see a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis that fuelled support for far-right, anti-immigration and nativist forces in Europe who are empathetic to Moscow’s effort to weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance as well as the European Union with its adherence to Western values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Even with that being the case, Russian policy towards Idlib and the rest of Syria is likely to only produce problematic outcomes: ensuring total victory for Al-Assad risks a break-up with Turkey, a key regional player, and forecloses chances for a sustainable resolution of the Syrian conflict that would allow for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons.

Continued Russian and Iranian-backed support for Al-Assad’s brutal regime will at best temporarily stabilise Syria and potentially open the door to a forced return of some refugees and displaced persons while setting the stage for another round of conflict.

An equally unsustainable alternative scenario, envisioned by De La Ossa, would involve a Russian-Turkish agreement to cram three million refugees into a tiny slice of Idlib in what would amount to sub-human conditions.

Said De La Ossa: “The humanitarian catastrophe that is Idlib has shown that the lessons from the beginning of World War II still apply: Appeasing dictators who are willing to kill massive numbers of people to realise their delusions of grandeur never works. But if the US, Europe, and the international community at large fail to heed these lessons, it will not only be Syrians who pay the price. “ 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems.

As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems. The failure of Western policymakers to adopt an approach that would have served Europe’s longer-term security interests and sought to end Syria’s suffering in ways that may have held out the promise of a sustainable resolution of the conflict is compounded by the failure to exploit what was always a fragile alliance between Russia and NATO-member Turkey. With that alliance under strain, both in Syria, where Russia has warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace, and in Libya, where the two allies support opposing sides, multiple regional conflicts have begun to mesh. Some analysts have suggested that Russia was seeking to enlist the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Syria so that it could dump Turkey with which it is on the brink of military blows. The two Gulf states oppose Turkish ambitions in the Middle East and beyond. The analysts point to recent contacts between Emirati, Russian and Syrian officials and the establishment of relations between Syria and Libya’s UAE and Russian-backed rebel force led by renegade commander Khalifa Haftar. The various manoeuvres constitute variations on a theme. The international community, including Russia, did little in the early years of the war to stop militant groups and regional powers from contributing to the violence by exploiting Syria’s power vacuum to their immediate advantage. That changed selectively when the Islamic State gained a territorial foothold in Syria and Iraq. Similarly, much of the international community falsely assumed that a Syrian victory in Idlib, Syria’s last rebel stronghold, would create a fait accompli that Turkey would accept and that would pave the way to an end to the war and reconstruction. Like in much of the Middle East where a failure to put one’s ears to the ground and hear the widespread discontent simmering at the surface that produced a decade of revolution and brutal counterrevolution, neither Russia nor its detractors read the writing on Syria’s walls. If militants and external powers turned what started in 2011 as peaceful protests demanding reform rather than the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the international community failed to recognise that nine years later criticism of the regime is widespread among an impoverished population traumatised by war. Rather than creating an environment for reconciliation and reconstruction, Russian-supported Syrian military successes in retaking territory from rebels by force or in negotiated handovers have not been accompanied by a relieving of economic and social hardship, sparking intermittent anti-government protests and stepped up repression. Much of the criticism focuses on the government’s failure to improve economic and living conditions, but like in the early days of the popular revolt, shies away from calls for regime change. The improbability of a Russian-Syrian military victory putting Syria on a road towards peaceful resolution and recovery is highlighted by the fact that snap polling suggests that less than ten per cent of the millions of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons would be willing to return to or remain in a country that continues to be ruled by Al-Assad and his regime. As a result, Russia and Al-Assad appear to have adopted the kind of scorched earth policy that Israel’s military rejected in the late 1980s during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising. In contrast to the military that told then Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin that the resolution needed to be political because the cost of a military solution would be too high, Russia and Al-Assad have concluded that no cost is too high. It is an approach that emulates Russia’s brutal crushing of rebellions in Chechnya in the 1990s. “Russia realised that it cannot cement its military victories into permanent political gains through diplomacy within the projected remaining lifetime of the regime. Instead, it decided to employ the ‘Grozny doctrine’ of complete annihilation of all those who stand in the way of its strategic goals and bring the conflict to an end before the regime collapses,” said Syrian activist Labib al-Nahhas De La Ossa, referring to the Chechen capital that was virtually destroyed by Russian forces. It's an approach that in violation of international law takes no heed of the consequences for innocent millions in Idlib or the fact that many, rather than supporting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an erstwhile Al-Qaeda affiliate that controls part of the province, have repeatedly protested against it. It's also an approach that potentially could spark a renewed refugee crisis in Europe with Turkey, already home to some four million refugees, no longer stopping fleeing Syrians and others from trying to cross its Greek and Bulgarian borders with the European Union. Russia, in a cynical twist of irony, would likely be happy to see a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis that fuelled support for far-right, anti-immigration and nativist forces in Europe who are empathetic to Moscow’s effort to weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance as well as the European Union with its adherence to Western values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Even with that being the case, Russian policy towards Idlib and the rest of Syria is likely to only produce problematic outcomes: ensuring total victory for Al-Assad risks a break-up with Turkey, a key regional player, and forecloses chances for a sustainable resolution of the Syrian conflict that would allow for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons. Continued Russian and Iranian-backed support for Al-Assad’s brutal regime will at best temporarily stabilise Syria and potentially open the door to a forced return of some refugees and displaced persons while setting the stage for another round of conflict. An equally unsustainable alternative scenario, envisioned by De La Ossa, would involve a Russian-Turkish agreement to cram three million refugees into a tiny slice of Idlib in what would amount to sub-human conditions. Said De La Ossa: “The humanitarian catastrophe that is Idlib has shown that the lessons from the beginning of World War II still apply: Appeasing dictators who are willing to kill massive numbers of people to realise their delusions of grandeur never works. But if the US, Europe, and the international community at large fail to heed these lessons, it will not only be Syrians who pay the price. “ (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

War threatens to spill beyond Syria’s borders

Mexico has detained more than 16,000 migrants in a four-day span. This includes nearly five thousand Venezuelan citizens according to Mexico's National Institute of migration.

Mexico: More than 16,000 foreign migrants detained in four days

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

The White House issued a&nbsp;statement on Saturday&nbsp;saying&nbsp;the United States President Joe Biden has accepted the resignation of the country’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner, Christopher Magnus. This comes a day after Magnus had spoken to the media about an official from the president’s administration allegedly asking him to resign or be fired.

Magnus claimed&nbsp;that he had been asked to step down or be fired from the role, by Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, who is also a Biden administration cabinet member who oversees the CBP, said a report by Reuters citing media reports. However, Magnus was adamant about not resigning, due to his commitment to the agency, the report added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-mexico-reach-an-agreement-on-easing-venezuelan-migration-525219">US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration</a>

The now-former CBP commissioner’s resignation was effective immediately, in which he also wished Biden and his administration the best and thanked him for this “tremendous opportunity.” This comes as the Biden administration has witnessed a record number of migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border since the incumbent president took office in 2021.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/migrant-crisis-at-the-us-mexico-border-teens-employed-to-avoid-legal-actions-470494">Migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border: Teens employed to avoid legal actions</a>

In a statement, Mayorkas said that Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller will become the acting commissioner. Meanwhile, the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US president thanked Magnus for his nearly 40 years of service and “wishes him well”.&nbsp;

Magnus was confirmed by the US Senate last year at a time when the agency was dealing with arresting a record number of people at the border as well as amid the Covid-19 travel restrictions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-2-million-migrants-apprehended-on-us-mexico-border-in-2021-says-us-report-447580">Nearly 2 million migrants apprehended on US-Mexico border in 2021, a record figure</a>

While the Biden administration has said that they&nbsp;aim&nbsp;to create a more organised and humane immigration system, they are still struggling&nbsp;with it, while the Republicans have repeatedly criticised their policies saying they are too lenient.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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The White House issued a statement on Saturday saying the United States President Joe Biden has accepted the resignation of the country’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner, Christopher Magnus.

The White House issued a statement on Saturday saying the United States President Joe Biden has accepted the resignation of the country’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner, Christopher Magnus. This comes a day after Magnus had spoken to the media about an official from the president’s administration allegedly asking him to resign or be fired. Magnus claimed that he had been asked to step down or be fired from the role, by Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, who is also a Biden administration cabinet member who oversees the CBP, said a report by Reuters citing media reports. However, Magnus was adamant about not resigning, due to his commitment to the agency, the report added. ALSO READ: US, Mexico reach an agreement to ease Venezuelan migration The now-former CBP commissioner’s resignation was effective immediately, in which he also wished Biden and his administration the best and thanked him for this “tremendous opportunity.” This comes as the Biden administration has witnessed a record number of migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border since the incumbent president took office in 2021. ALSO WATCH: Migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border: Teens employed to avoid legal actions In a statement, Mayorkas said that Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller will become the acting commissioner. Meanwhile, the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the US president thanked Magnus for his nearly 40 years of service and “wishes him well”. Magnus was confirmed by the US Senate last year at a time when the agency was dealing with arresting a record number of people at the border as well as amid the Covid-19 travel restrictions. ALSO READ: Nearly 2 million migrants apprehended on US-Mexico border in 2021, a record figure While the Biden administration has said that they aim to create a more organised and humane immigration system, they are still struggling with it, while the Republicans have repeatedly criticised their policies saying they are too lenient. (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.

US: Top border official resigns amid rise in migrants crossing the US-Mexico border

Two migrant laborers were killed in Kashmir when terrorists threw grenades at their home, this comes after a person was killed by terrorists in the same Shopian district last week. The laborers hailed from northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Two migrant laborers shot dead in Shopian in south Kashmir

Pope Francis on Sunday (October 9), in off-script remarks, said that exclusion of migrants was "scandalous, disgusting and sinful," even "criminal". This would possibly put the Pope on a collision course with Italy's upcoming right-wing government headed by Giorgia Meloni. The Pope made the remarks during canonisation ceremony of a 19th-century bishop known as the "father of migrants" and a 20th-century Italian who immigrated to Argentina and ministered to the sick.

Pope Francis, who has made support of migrants' rights a major theme of his pontificate, presided over the sainthood ceremony attended by 30,000 people in St. Peter's Square. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The exclusion of migrants is scandalous. Indeed, the exclusion of migrants is criminal. It makes them die in front of us," he said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"And so today the Mediterranean is the world's largest cemetery," he said, referring to the thousands who have died trying to reach Europe from North Africa. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The exclusion of migrants is disgusting, it is sinful. It is criminal not to open doors to those who are needy," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Giorgia Meloni has recently won the election in Italy and is expected to become prime minister later this month. The right-wing coalition she heads has vowed to crack down on immigration and tighten Italy's borders.

Among promised measures are accelerated repatriations and more stringent asylum rules.

Meloni has also called for a naval blockade of North Africa to prevent migrants from putting to sea and for renewed curbs on charity rescue ships.

Pope Francis did not mention Italy in his remarks. He said that migrants sent back to some countries are put in "concentration camps where they are exploited and treated as slaves."

In the past, he has said this has happened in Libya. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pope Francis on Sunday (October 9), in off-script remarks, said that exclusion of migrants was "scandalous, disgusting and sinful," even "criminal". This would possibly put the Pope on a collision course with Italy's upcoming right-wing government headed by Giorgia Meloni.

Pope Francis on Sunday (October 9), in off-script remarks, said that exclusion of migrants was "scandalous, disgusting and sinful," even "criminal". This would possibly put the Pope on a collision course with Italy's upcoming right-wing government headed by Giorgia Meloni. The Pope made the remarks during canonisation ceremony of a 19th-century bishop known as the "father of migrants" and a 20th-century Italian who immigrated to Argentina and ministered to the sick. Pope Francis, who has made support of migrants' rights a major theme of his pontificate, presided over the sainthood ceremony attended by 30,000 people in St. Peter's Square. "The exclusion of migrants is scandalous. Indeed, the exclusion of migrants is criminal. It makes them die in front of us," he said. "And so today the Mediterranean is the world's largest cemetery," he said, referring to the thousands who have died trying to reach Europe from North Africa. "The exclusion of migrants is disgusting, it is sinful. It is criminal not to open doors to those who are needy," he said. Giorgia Meloni has recently won the election in Italy and is expected to become prime minister later this month. The right-wing coalition she heads has vowed to crack down on immigration and tighten Italy's borders. Among promised measures are accelerated repatriations and more stringent asylum rules. Meloni has also called for a naval blockade of North Africa to prevent migrants from putting to sea and for renewed curbs on charity rescue ships. Pope Francis did not mention Italy in his remarks. He said that migrants sent back to some countries are put in "concentration camps where they are exploited and treated as slaves." In the past, he has said this has happened in Libya. (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 ×

Pope Francis terms exclusion of migrants 'criminal' as right wing wins Italy polls

United Nations' Libya mission on Sunday (October 9) condemned the "heinous killing" of 15 migrants near Meditarranean city of Sabratha. It accused smugglers and demanded justice.

Bodies of the migrants were found on a beach in the morning on Friday. Most of the migrants were burned inside a charred boat.

"While the exact circumstances remain to be determined, the killings reportedly resulted from clashes between rival traffickers," the UN mission UNSMIL said in a statement.

It urged authorities in the North African nation "to ensure a swift, independent and transparent investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice".

Libya was a key route for clandestine migration even before the 2011 uprising that overthrew dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Lawlessness after the death of Kadhafi made the situation worse. The migration via sea from Libya is considered to be the world's deadliest migration route. The western city of Sabratha is just 300 kilometres from Lampdusa, the Italian island.

Migrants often face horrific treatment at the hands of smuggling gangs.

Rights groups have repeatedly accused authorities and armed groups operating under state auspices of torture and other abuses.

The latest killings are "a stark reminder of the lack of protection migrants and asylum seekers face in Libya, and the widespread human rights violations undertaken by powerful trafficking and criminal networks who need to be swiftly stopped and prosecuted," UNSMIL said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United Nations' Libya mission on Sunday (October 9) condemned the "heinous killing" of 15 migrants near Meditarranean city of Sabratha. It accused smugglers and demanded justice.

United Nations' Libya mission on Sunday (October 9) condemned the "heinous killing" of 15 migrants near Meditarranean city of Sabratha. It accused smugglers and demanded justice. Bodies of the migrants were found on a beach in the morning on Friday. Most of the migrants were burned inside a charred boat. "While the exact circumstances remain to be determined, the killings reportedly resulted from clashes between rival traffickers," the UN mission UNSMIL said in a statement. It urged authorities in the North African nation "to ensure a swift, independent and transparent investigation to bring all perpetrators to justice". Libya was a key route for clandestine migration even before the 2011 uprising that overthrew dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Lawlessness after the death of Kadhafi made the situation worse. The migration via sea from Libya is considered to be the world's deadliest migration route. The western city of Sabratha is just 300 kilometres from Lampdusa, the Italian island. Migrants often face horrific treatment at the hands of smuggling gangs. Rights groups have repeatedly accused authorities and armed groups operating under state auspices of torture and other abuses. The latest killings are "a stark reminder of the lack of protection migrants and asylum seekers face in Libya, and the widespread human rights violations undertaken by powerful trafficking and criminal networks who need to be swiftly stopped and prosecuted," UNSMIL said. (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 ×

UN denounces 'heinous killing' of migrants in Libya

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

For the first time on Thursday (October 6), Canada's Supreme Court will hear a Canada-US asylum pact to decide whether the US can be considered a "safe" place for people seeking refugee status.&nbsp;

The outcome will determine whether Canada can trust that the US will treat migrants properly or if Canada can take care of people who'll be turned away from the borders.&nbsp;

The hearing will majorly focus on the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), a pact between the two countries since 2004 for every migrant that is necessary for people to request protection in the first "safe" country they reach.&nbsp;

Defending refugee lawyers stated that the outcome of the hearing will determine the migrant's future, as few migrants were previously imprisoned in detention during the winter.

Canada has designated the US as a "safe third country" as it maintains high human rights standards.

Watch |&nbsp;US, Canada imposes fresh sanctions against Iran citing death of Mahsa Amini

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However, a judge later ordered the STCA to be struck down in 2007, arguing that Canada failed to define the US as a safe place for asylum seekers. This decision was turned over by a strong federal appeal.&nbsp;

In 2017, lawyers filed a fresh lawsuit after the election of the former president&nbsp;Donald Trump, who promised to tighten immigration. They also provided evidence where migrants were held in detention and some were denied&nbsp;counsel.

After this lawsuit was declared successful, the law was repealed again in 2020 after proving that the US would detain migrants. But Ottawa appealed again and was successful, saying that this evidence wasn't enough to prove the point.

Irregularities in Canada have been a regular thing, which decreased during the pandemic but has increased since then. A parliamentary committee has claimed to probe the matter.&nbsp;

Canada and the US share the world's longest border of approximately 8,891 km (5,525 miles).

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For the first time on Thursday (October 6), Canada's Supreme Court will hear a Canada-US asylum pact to decide whether the US can be considered a "safe" place for people seeking refugee status.

For the first time on Thursday (October 6), Canada's Supreme Court will hear a Canada-US asylum pact to decide whether the US can be considered a "safe" place for people seeking refugee status. The outcome will determine whether Canada can trust that the US will treat migrants properly or if Canada can take care of people who'll be turned away from the borders. The hearing will majorly focus on the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), a pact between the two countries since 2004 for every migrant that is necessary for people to request protection in the first "safe" country they reach. Defending refugee lawyers stated that the outcome of the hearing will determine the migrant's future, as few migrants were previously imprisoned in detention during the winter. Canada has designated the US as a "safe third country" as it maintains high human rights standards. Watch | US, Canada imposes fresh sanctions against Iran citing death of Mahsa Amini WATCH WION LIVE HERE However, a judge later ordered the STCA to be struck down in 2007, arguing that Canada failed to define the US as a safe place for asylum seekers. This decision was turned over by a strong federal appeal. In 2017, lawyers filed a fresh lawsuit after the election of the former president Donald Trump, who promised to tighten immigration. They also provided evidence where migrants were held in detention and some were denied counsel. After this lawsuit was declared successful, the law was repealed again in 2020 after proving that the US would detain migrants. But Ottawa appealed again and was successful, saying that this evidence wasn't enough to prove the point. Irregularities in Canada have been a regular thing, which decreased during the pandemic but has increased since then. A parliamentary committee has claimed to probe the matter. Canada and the US share the world's longest border of approximately 8,891 km (5,525 miles).

Canada's Supreme Court to decide whether the US is 'safe' place for migrants

At least 15 people have died as two boats carrying migrants sank in Greek waters late Wednesday, and rescuers were looking for dozens still missing.

At least 15 dead as two boats carrying 40 migrants sink in Greek waters

The month old Liz Truss government in Britain hopes to stick to the 2019 election pledge of reducing net immigrants in United Kingdom, new interior minister Suella Braverman said in an interview with The Sun on Sunday.

Braverman&nbsp;stated that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-truss-faces-a-maiden-tory-conference-as-leader-521060">Britain</a> has a high number of low-skilled migrants and a large number of international students. She also stated that international students have more often brought dependents with them, thereby affecting the country's growth.&nbsp;

Braverman said that Britain will eventually reduce net migration and review their immigration policy as part of an attempt to boost growth. She affirmed that the move comes following complaints from business groups that post-Brexit rules were too restrictive, especially for low-paid jobs.

Braverman also assured that reducing migration was an aim shared by all the entire&nbsp;senior ministers of Liz Truss government.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-global-recession-fears-china-debt-default-looms-520949">Global recession fears LIVE | Wall Street posts third successive quarterly loss</a>

"What we've got is too many low skilled workers coming into this country," she said. “We've also got a very high number of students coming into this country and we've got a really high number of dependents,"&nbsp;the interior minister said.&nbsp;

"Those people are coming here, they're not necessarily working or they're working in low-skilled jobs, and they're not contributing to growing our economy," she added.

Immigration wages received a hike since January 2021, when it was made mandatory that workers must be paid at least 25,600 pounds ($28,570) a year for a employer to sponsor their visa. However, sectors like agriculture, hospitality and some manufacturing commonly give out much lower wages to their&nbsp;workers.&nbsp;

Braverman also said she wanted to restrict the ability of migrants to challenge deportation on the basis that they had been subjected to forced labour or human trafficking, known in Britain as "modern slavery".&nbsp;

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The month old Liz Truss government in Britain hopes to stick to the 2019 election pledge of reducing net immigrants in United Kingdom, new interior minister Suella Braverman said in an interview with The Sun on Sunday.

The month old Liz Truss government in Britain hopes to stick to the 2019 election pledge of reducing net immigrants in United Kingdom, new interior minister Suella Braverman said in an interview with The Sun on Sunday. Braverman stated that Britain has a high number of low-skilled migrants and a large number of international students. She also stated that international students have more often brought dependents with them, thereby affecting the country's growth. Braverman said that Britain will eventually reduce net migration and review their immigration policy as part of an attempt to boost growth. She affirmed that the move comes following complaints from business groups that post-Brexit rules were too restrictive, especially for low-paid jobs. Braverman also assured that reducing migration was an aim shared by all the entire senior ministers of Liz Truss government. Also read | Global recession fears LIVE | Wall Street posts third successive quarterly loss "What we've got is too many low skilled workers coming into this country," she said. “We've also got a very high number of students coming into this country and we've got a really high number of dependents," the interior minister said. "Those people are coming here, they're not necessarily working or they're working in low-skilled jobs, and they're not contributing to growing our economy," she added. Immigration wages received a hike since January 2021, when it was made mandatory that workers must be paid at least 25,600 pounds ($28,570) a year for a employer to sponsor their visa. However, sectors like agriculture, hospitality and some manufacturing commonly give out much lower wages to their workers. Braverman also said she wanted to restrict the ability of migrants to challenge deportation on the basis that they had been subjected to forced labour or human trafficking, known in Britain as "modern slavery". WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Britain has 'too many' low-skilled migrants, it's hurting growth, says interior minister

With the midterm elections just about a month away in US, migrant politics is once again taken Centre stage. In the last few days flights and buses full of migrants have been sent from the Republican states to the ones that are governed by the Democrats. Now, it is being said that half the Republicans believe that it's okay for the state officials to fly the migrants to areas governed by the Democrats.

29% of Americans back migrant flights; GOP governors fly migrants to blue states: Survey

Texas governor has sent another busload of migrants to Kamala Harris's home in Washington DC. As per reports, 50 migrants have arrived including a month-old-baby.

US: 2nd batch of migrants sent to Kamala Harris's home; fight over border security takes ugly turn

Texas sends another busload of migrants to Kamala Harris's home

On Thursday, busloads of migrants were dropped outside Kamala Harris' home. They were bused by Republicans from Texas to remind Harris about her job as the 'border czar'. Priyanka Sharma tells you what happened next.

Gravitas: Busloads of migrants dropped outside US vice president's home

A new group of migrants, bused in from Texas, arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning. They were left stranded next to the US Naval Observatory, the home to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Republicans are playing up immigration issues before November midterm elections as&nbsp;Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took credit Thursday for sending two planeloads of undocumented Venezuelans from&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;to wealthy Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.&nbsp;

This is part of a&nbsp;of a five-month-old&nbsp;operation started by&nbsp;Texas&nbsp;Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The aim was to put pressure Democrats on the immigration issue.&nbsp;

In response, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Republican governors are using migrants as "political pawns". News agencies reported that around 50 of the migrants, including children, landed Wednesday on the island.&nbsp;

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took credit of sending two planeloads of undocumented Venezuelans from Texas to wealthy Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp; | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-appoints-special-master-in-donald-trump-document-case-516648">US judge appoints 'special master' in Donald Trump document case</a>&nbsp;

On being asked about the decision by the Florida governor to fly migrants to Martha's Vineyard, Jean-Pierre said the move was a "premeditated political stunt."&nbsp;

"There's a process in place. We have had a process in place. There's a legal way of doing this and for managing migrants. Republican governors interfering in that process and using migrants as political pawns is shameful, is reckless and just plain wrong," Jean-Pierre said.&nbsp;

According to state data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Texas has bused more than 7,000 migrants to Washington, DC and New York City since April, spending nearly $13 million on the initiative through August 8.&nbsp;

A local state legislator said Dylan Fernandes, "Immigrants are being dropped off on Martha's Vineyard by chartered flights from Texas. Many don't know where they are. They say they were told they would be given housing and jobs."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden weighed in and slammed the moves as Republicans "playing politics with human beings."&nbsp;

"What they're doing is simply wrong. It's un-American. It's reckless,"&nbsp;said Biden at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus event Thursday evening.&nbsp;

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A new group of migrants, bused in from Texas, arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning. They were left stranded next to the US Naval Observatory, the home to Vice President Kamala Harris.

A new group of migrants, bused in from Texas, arrived in Washington DC on Thursday morning. They were left stranded next to the US Naval Observatory, the home to Vice President Kamala Harris. Republicans are playing up immigration issues before November midterm elections as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took credit Thursday for sending two planeloads of undocumented Venezuelans from Texas to wealthy Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. This is part of a of a five-month-old operation started by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott. The aim was to put pressure Democrats on the immigration issue. In response, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that Republican governors are using migrants as "political pawns". News agencies reported that around 50 of the migrants, including children, landed Wednesday on the island. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis took credit of sending two planeloads of undocumented Venezuelans from Texas to wealthy Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. ALSO READ | US judge appoints 'special master' in Donald Trump document case On being asked about the decision by the Florida governor to fly migrants to Martha's Vineyard, Jean-Pierre said the move was a "premeditated political stunt." "There's a process in place. We have had a process in place. There's a legal way of doing this and for managing migrants. Republican governors interfering in that process and using migrants as political pawns is shameful, is reckless and just plain wrong," Jean-Pierre said. According to state data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Texas has bused more than 7,000 migrants to Washington, DC and New York City since April, spending nearly $13 million on the initiative through August 8. A local state legislator said Dylan Fernandes, "Immigrants are being dropped off on Martha's Vineyard by chartered flights from Texas. Many don't know where they are. They say they were told they would be given housing and jobs." Meanwhile, President Joe Biden weighed in and slammed the moves as Republicans "playing politics with human beings." "What they're doing is simply wrong. It's un-American. It's reckless," said Biden at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus event Thursday evening. 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.

'It's un-American. It's reckless': White House says Republicans using migrants as 'political pawns'

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