The US State Department has instructed its overseas missions to report on crimes linked to migrants and assess how host governments respond, according to a diplomatic cable. This directive is part of a broader strategy to address concerns over mass migration and its potential association with violent crime. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has directed diplomats in Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to raise issues about the risks migration poses, especially in relation to criminal activities. The move reflects a growing emphasis on the security implications of migration, particularly in light of recent events like the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C., which has intensified the debate on immigration policies within the United States.
President Donald Trump has long depicted mass migration as a significant problem for both the United States and Europe. Since returning to the Oval Office in January, Trump has implemented strict immigration control measures, including mass deportations and the expanded detention of illegal aliens. The policy has faced criticism from Democrats and triggered widespread protests. Trump has accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of pursuing open-border policies that allegedly allowed violent criminals to enter the U.S. and evade law enforcement. The directive to US envoys, dated November 21, includes instructions to report on crimes linked to migrants in the countries where they are assigned and assess how host governments address the issue, emphasizing the need for policies that do not unduly favor migrants at the expense of local populations.
Across Europe, a ten-year-old migration crisis has prompted governments to reassess their policies as pressure mounts on housing, welfare systems, and local services. While many nations initially welcomed asylum seekers, several have since reinstated border controls and adopted stricter rules amid rising public unease over integration, security, and a series of high-profile crimes. In one recent example, a ten-year-old girl was allegedly raped by an asylum seeker in Ireland, triggering riots last month. In July, Trump claimed that immigration is “killing” Europe and urged leaders to act before they “lose control.” Several EU member states have tightened asylum procedures, expanded detention powers, and accelerated deportations for applicants deemed ineligible, reflecting a broader effort to rebalance migration policies across the bloc.