In March 2025, the European Commission presented a new proposal for a Return Regulation – more aptly named, the Deportation Regulation – to replace its current Return Directive.
The new regulation aims to streamline EU deportation, setting the stage for an EU-sanctioned deportation regime for mass detention and deportation. It will target and criminalise some of the most vulnerable, racialised migrants entering Europe, and those who are already here, with ramifications across grassroots migrant justice organisations and beyond.
The Regulation is premised on punitive policies, detention centres, deportation and enforcement. It will expand an already existing racist and violent surveillance system, including putting more money and resources into security and tech companies. These are the very same companies that are battle-testing technologies on Palestinians, Sudanese, and Congolese, profiting off the death and destruction of racialised folks globally. Frontex, Europe’s notorious border agency, for example, is increasing its web of violence beyond Europe’s borders.
We, at the Racism and Technology Center, alongside more than 200 organisations, have signed on a joint statement calling for a withdrawal and rejection of this proposal. As fascism continues to spread across the globe, we must come together to find ways to resist. We call for a stop to criminalising people on the move, and an end to racist migration policies.
See: More than 200 Organisations Say Inhumane Deportation Rules Should be Rejected at Equinox.