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Thursday, January 29, 2026

Category: News
January 27, 2026
Immigration
News

Anti-ICE Activists Besiege Walz’s Office Over Dialogue With Trump, Homan.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left activists gathered outside the office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) in the state capitol, protesting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Tim Walz, White House Border Czar Tom Homan, President Donald J. Trump, and protesters.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota State Capitol building.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals, which the President also agreed to yesterday.” – Governor Walz’s office

🎯IMPACT: Tensions remain high in Minnesota as Democrats and anti-ICE activists attempt to effectively veto federal immigration law.

IN FULL

Far-left protesters gathered outside Democrat Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office in the state Capitol on the afternoon of January 27, chanting “justice delayed, justice denied,” while holding signs reading “Justice for Alex Pretti” and “F*ck ICE.” The demonstration came hours after Walz met with White House Border Czar Tom Homan amid ongoing tensions over federal immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis.

Walz’s office released a statement following the meeting, saying the governor “met with Tom Homan this morning and reiterated Minnesota’s priorities: impartial investigations into the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, a swift, significant reduction in the number of federal forces in Minnesota, and an end to the campaign of retribution against Minnesota.” The statement added, “The Governor and Homan agreed on the need for an ongoing dialogue and will continue working toward those goals, which the President also agreed to yesterday. The Governor tasked the Minnesota Department of Public Safety as the primary liaison to Homan to ensure these goals are met.”

The protests follow two fatal incidents in Minneapolis earlier this month involving anti-ICE activists. Renee Good was killed after ramming a federal officer with her vehicle, while Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol during a scuffle.

Walz also spoke with President Donald J. Trump on Monday regarding the shootings and the federal presence in Minnesota. After the call, Walz wrote, “I had a productive call with President Trump earlier today. I told him we need impartial investigations of the Minneapolis shootings involving federal agents, and that we need to reduce the number of federal agents in Minnesota.”

He added that “The President agreed to look into reducing the number of federal agents in Minnesota and to talk to DHS about ensuring the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is able to conduct an independent investigation, as would ordinarily be the case.”

The Minnesota governor has drawn national attention in recent weeks over his involvement in a widespread Somali fraud scandal, his handling of the immigration protests, and his rhetoric against federal authorities. Walz has publicly acknowledged cooperating with Homan while simultaneously calling for limits on federal enforcement activity in the state. His administration has also faced scrutiny after Minnesota National Guard members were observed distributing coffee and donuts to anti-ICE activists.

Separately, Walz has asked supporters for financial contributions to help cover legal costs related to a Department of Justice (DOJ) subpoena over the fraud scandal, framing the request as necessary to challenge what he has described as federal overreach.

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January 27, 2026
Immigration
News

Minneapolis Mayor Still Refusing to Uphold Federal Immigration Law After Homan Meeting.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) declared that his city will maintain its stance of not upholding federal immigration law following a meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Jacob Frey, Tom Homan, and President Donald J. Trump.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The announcement came on Tuesday, following a meeting in Minneapolis.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws, and that we will remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe.” – Jacob Frey

🎯IMPACT: The decision has renewed the debate over state Democrats’ ongoing efforts to effectively nullify federal law as it pertains to immigration.

IN FULL

On Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey (D) declared that his city would not uphold federal immigration laws, despite a meeting with White House Border Czar Tom Homan.

Frey described the discussion with Homan and Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara as productive. He explained that he pressed for Operation Metro Surge—the federal immigration enforcement effort in the area—to conclude as soon as possible. Frey argued: “Public safety works best when it’s built on community trust, not tactics that create fear or division.” Notably, ICE has, in fact, detained a large number of highly dangerous criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota so far, including killers, rapists, and violent pedophiles.

Frey also stated: “I also made it clear that Minneapolis does not and will not enforce federal immigration laws, and that we will remain focused on keeping our neighbors and streets safe. City leaders will continue to stay in conversation with Mr. Homan and his team.”

Homan was dispatched to Minnesota by President Donald J. Trump amid tensions over the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti by Border Patrol. Trump made the announcement on Monday, writing, “I am sending Tom Homan to Minnesota tonight. He has not been involved in that area, but knows and likes many of the people there. Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me.”

In the same message, Trump referenced ongoing fraud probes in the state, linked to the large Somali community, noting: “Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets. Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Ilhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all.”

Image by Lorie Shaull.

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January 27, 2026
Immigration

State Schools’ H-1B Visa Petitions Frozen Amid Federal Investigation.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) ordered a freeze on all new H-1B visa petitions by state agencies and universities amid a federal investigation into abuse.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Gov. Abbott, the Texas Workforce Commission, and state universities.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The directive was issued on January 27, 2026, affecting the state of Texas.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Texans come first. I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions.” – Greg Abbott

🎯IMPACT: Texas is the first state to implement a statewide freeze on H-1B visa petitions, impacting thousands of potential migrants and employers.

IN FULL

In a memo issued on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) instructed state agencies and publicly funded universities to immediately halt all H-1B visa petitions amid a federal investigation into abuse. Abbott stated that the Texas economy should be refocused to “the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers.” Abbott’s directive makes Texas the first state to implement such a statewide freeze.

“No state agency controlled by a gubernatorially appointed head or public institution of higher education shall, without the written permission of the Texas Workforce Commission, initiate or file any new petition to sponsor a nonimmigrant worker under the federal H-1B visa program until the end of the Texas Legislature’s 90th Regular Session on May 31, 2027,” Gov. Abbott’s memo declares. He goes on to cite “recent reports of abuse” and the federal government’s “ongoing review” of the H-1B visa program as reasons for the decision.

The Texas governor further instructed all state agencies to submit a report to the Texas Workforce Commission by March 27, 2026, detailing the number of H-1B visa holders currently employed, their countries of origin, and documentation showing efforts to provide qualified Texans with opportunities to fill those positions. “Rather than serving its intended purpose of attracting the best and brightest individuals from around the world to our nation to fill truly specialized and unmet labor needs, the program has too often been used to fill jobs that otherwise could—and should—have been filled by Texans,” he admitted.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gov. Abbott wrote, “Texans come first. I’m directing state agencies and universities to freeze new H-1B visa petitions. Texas taxpayers invest billions to train our workforce. Those jobs should go to Texans. Texas is the strongest economic engine in America. We’re going to keep it that way.”

Texas approved over 40,000 H-1B visa petitions in fiscal year 2025, ranking second in the nation behind only California.

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January 27, 2026
Lawfare
Politics

Appeals Court Overturns Biden Judge’s Ban on ICE Pepper Spraying, Arresting Agitators.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: A panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit lifted an injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Katherin Menendez, which had restricted federal agents’ actions during Minneapolis protests.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Trump Administration, U.S. District Court Judge Katherin Menendez, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The decision was issued by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals following a January 16 ruling by Judge Menendez in Minneapolis.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “To the extent the injunction’s breadth and vagueness cause federal agents to hesitate in performing their lawful duties, it threatens to irreparably harm the government and undermine the public interest.” – Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals

🎯IMPACT: The ruling allows federal agents to resume their duties without the restrictions imposed by the injunction, which the court found to be overly broad and vague.

IN FULL

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has overturned an injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Katherin Menendez blocking federal law enforcement from pepper spraying, detaining, arresting, or otherwise engaging with protestors in Minneapolis, Minnesota, without probable cause. Judge Menendez, a Joe Biden appointee, had ruled in favor of protesters suing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claiming violations of their First and Fourth Amendment rights.

The Eighth Circuit decision emphasizes that Judge Menendez’s decision failed to consider the varied nature of the conduct and circumstances involved. The court stated, “We accessed and viewed the same videos the district court did. What they show is observers and protestors engaging in a wide range of conduct, some of it peaceful but much of it not. They also show federal agents responding in various ways.” The court further noted that the differences in conduct made it impossible to address all claims in “one stroke.”

Additionally, the panel criticized the injunction for being too vague, stating that it left federal agents in a precarious position of having to predict what might be considered “peaceful and unobstructive protest activity.” The court emphasized that the videos demonstrated a rapidly changing environment where peaceful and obstructive actions often overlapped, making it difficult for law enforcement to act decisively.

The court also warned that the injunction’s vagueness and breadth could lead federal agents to hesitate to perform their lawful duties, potentially harming the government and undermining the public interest. The ruling stated, “To the extent the injunction’s breadth and vagueness cause federal agents to hesitate in performing their lawful duties, it threatens to irreparably harm the government and undermine the public interest.”

Judge Menendez is also presiding over another case involving a broader motion to enjoin ICE operations, a filing by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison that has been criticized as constitutionally unfounded.

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January 27, 2026
Crime
News

Nurse Under Investigation for TikToks About Poisoning ICE Agents.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: A nurse at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health is under investigation after posting videos online encouraging the poisoning of federal law enforcement.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The nurse, identified through a now-deleted TikTok account called Redheadredemption, VCU Health, VCU Police, and social media account LibsOfTikTok.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The videos were posted on TikTok and later shared on X, with VCU Health confirming the investigation in a statement to the media.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The content of the videos is highly inappropriate and does not reflect the integrity or values of our health system.” – VCU Health

🎯IMPACT: The nurse has been placed on administrative leave; the videos have sparked widespread outrage online.

IN FULL

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health and the VCU Police Department are investigating after a nurse employed by the hospital system posted a series of social media videos encouraging poisoning and other covert attacks on federal law enforcement officers, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The nurse, identified through a now-deleted TikTok account under the name Redheadredemption, has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.

The videos, which circulated widely online after being shared by the social media account LibsOfTikTok, included suggestions for using syringes filled with saline or succinylcholine as a “deterrent,” creating poison ivy water to spray on law enforcement, and tampering with the food or drinks of ICE agents. Succinylcholine is a powerful paralytic anesthetic that causes temporary muscle paralysis.

In one video captioned “#staytoxic,” the nurse encouraged single women to use dating apps to identify ICE agents and incapacitate them using laxatives. “Single ladies, where these ICE guys are going, have a chance to do something, you know, not without risk, but could help the cause for sure,” she said. “Bring some Ex-Lax and put it in their drinks. Get them sick. You know, nobody’s going to die. Just enough to incapacitate them and get them off the street for the next day.”

She also recommended making contact with hotel staff and others responsible for serving ICE officers’ breakfast, saying, “Let’s make their lives f**kin’ miserable.”

In a statement, VCU Health said, “We prioritize the health and safety of anyone who comes to us for care. We are aware of a series of videos that appear to have been posted by an individual confirmed to be an employee of our health system.” The health system added that “the content of the videos is highly inappropriate and does not reflect the integrity or values of our health system.” Officials confirmed the employee will not be in hospital facilities or interacting with patients during the review and that VCU Police are assisting with the investigation.

The posts triggered widespread backlash, with many critics calling for the nurse’s professional license to be revoked.

Federal officials have reported sharp increases in threats and attacks against ICE officers, even as the agency continues to make arrests involving violent offenders, child predators, and armed criminals. Recent cases have also included criminal charges against individuals accused of threatening to kill ICE agents.

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January 27, 2026
News

Person Shot by Border Patrol is in Critical Condition.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: A person was shot in an incident involving U.S. Border Patrol.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Border Patrol and an unidentified individual.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Tuesday morning in southern Pima County, Arizona.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “The incident remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.” – Santa Rita Fire Department

🎯IMPACT: The wounded individual was transported in critical condition to a regional trauma center.

IN FULL

On Tuesday, an incident involving the U.S. Border Patrol led to a person being shot in southern Pima County, Arizona. As of the time of publication, the individual’s identity has not been disclosed.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 AM, according to a news release from the Santa Rita Fire District. Emergency services transported the individual, who was in critical condition. Details about the events leading up to the shooting are currently unclear, and there is no information on whether any law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.

Medical crews from the Santa Rita Fire District and American Medical Response provided initial care on-site. The patient was then transferred to a local medical helicopter for rapid transport to a regional trauma center.

Notably, the incident follows the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Alex Pretti by Border Patrol in Minnesota. Before that, anti-ICE activist Renee Good was also fatally shot while driving her SUV into a federal officer. Both shootings resulted in widespread and often violent demonstrations.

The Santa Rita Fire Department said the Arizona shooting “remains under active investigation by law enforcement agencies.”

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January 27, 2026
News

Alex Pretti Broke Rib a Week Before His Death During Earlier Attempt to Impede Federal Agents.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: CNN has reported that Alex Pretti previously confronted federal agents in Minnesota, painting a pattern of behavior and potentially explaining why he was met with immediate force before his death.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Alex Pretti, federal immigration officers, and ICE agents.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Minneapolis, a week before his death.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “When our law enforcement encounter a violent agitator… our law enforcement make records to advance prosecution.” – Tricia McLaughlin

🎯IMPACT: Rising attacks on federal law enforcement are attributed to inflammatory rhetoric, as well as organized protest groups, some featuring elected Democrats.

IN FULL

Sources have indicated to CNN that Alex Pretti had an altercation with federal officers about a week before his death, interfering with their efforts to detain illegal migrants. During this confrontation, Pretti suffered a broken rib when officers tackled him.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, “When our law enforcement encounter a violent agitator who is breaking the law, obstructing law enforcement or assaulting them, our law enforcement make records to advance prosecution. This is not ground breaking, it is standard protocol.”

The initial incident began when Pretti stopped his vehicle after observing ICE agents pursuing illegal migrants. He then began shouting and using a whistle, later claiming that five agents tackled him, resulting in his broken rib, though he was released shortly after.

The rise in vehicle attacks against ICE and CBP is concerning, with over 100 incidents reported since January 20, more than double the previous year. This increase is linked to rhetoric from sanctuary politicians, leftist activists, and mainstream media.

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January 27, 2026
News

Coinbase CEO Backs Chinese Communist Party’s Move to Control Crypto.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong heaped praise on the Chinese Communist Party’s approach to controlling digital currency interest payments, sparking debate over stablecoin policies in the U.S.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, U.S. banking lobby groups, and Chinese financial institutions.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Armstrong’s comments were made in January 2026, via X (formerly Twitter), amidst ongoing U.S. stablecoin regulation debates.

💬KEY QUOTE: “China has decided to pay interest on its own stablecoin, because it benefits ordinary people, and they recognize it as a competitive advantage.” – Brian Armstrong

🎯IMPACT: The remarks have caused concern that Armstrong is in favor of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), which is required for the government to pay inflation-causing interest rates on digital accounts.

IN FULL

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has heaped praise on the Chinese Communist Party’s digital currency policies, suggesting the U.S. could learn from China in implementing what is effectively a central bank digital currency (CBDC). The argument over CBDCs continues to rage in the United States. Early in his second term, President Trump issued an executive order “to protect Americans from the risks of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).”

This didn’t stop Armstrong from praising China’s decision to pay interest on its digital yuan, claiming it benefits ordinary people and serves as a competitive advantage. The replies were not as keen, with X users noting, “China’s version is a CBDC at best. Not a stablecoin. Although they looked and sounded the same but they are not.”

Another said, critically: “How to get people to use your dystopian CBDC: pay them interest. It’s textbook marketing, luring the mice with free cheese.”

The interest program is aimed at addressing low adoption rates of the digital yuan, with commercial banks subsidizing the effort rather than the central bank.

Armstrong’s surprising missive comes as Coinbase faces pressure from U.S. banking lobbyists over stablecoin yield-sharing programs. The GENIUS Act, passed in July 2025, allows platforms like Coinbase to offer stablecoin rewards, but banking groups are lobbying to eliminate this provision, arguing it threatens traditional banking deposits.

The Coinbase CEO recently told Bloomberg that Bitcoin could still hit $1,000,000 by 2030, despite the cryptocurrency’s price stabilizing around $87,500 per coin in recent months.

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January 27, 2026
William Upton
Immigration
Politics

Biden—Illegal Migration’s Favorite President Ever—Sends Moralizing Message Over Good, Pretti Deaths.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Former President Joe Biden, 83, finally weighed in on the ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, issuing a meandering and moralizing statement addressing the deaths of anti-ICE activists Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Former President Joe Biden, President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), illegal immigrants, and anti-ICE activists Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: Biden’s statement was posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “No single person can destroy what America stands for and believes in, not even a President, if we — all of America — stand up and speak out. We know who we are. It’s time to show the world. More importantly, it’s time to show ourselves.” — Joe Biden

🎯IMPACT: The surge in immigration enforcement operations under President Trump is a direct result of the open borders policies under Biden, which saw millions—potentially tens of millions—of illegal immigrants enter the United States over four years.

IN FULL

Former President Joe Biden, 83, finally weighed in on the ongoing immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, issuing a meandering and moralizing statement addressing the deaths of anti-ICE activists Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti. Notably, the surge in immigration enforcement operations under President Donald J. Trump is a direct result of the open borders policies under Biden, which saw millions—potentially tens of millions—of illegal immigrants enter the United States over four years.

“What has unfolded in Minneapolis this past month betrays our most basic values as Americans. We are not a nation that guns down our citizens in the street,” Biden wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The octogenarian former president continued, “We are not a nation that allows our citizens to be brutalized for exercising their constitutional rights. We are not a nation that tramples the 4th Amendment and tolerates our neighbors being terrorized.”

“No single person can destroy what America stands for and believes in, not even a President, if we — all of America — stand up and speak out. We know who we are. It’s time to show the world. More importantly, it’s time to show ourselves,” Biden stated, adding: “Jill and I are sending strength to the families and communities who love Alex Pretti and Renee Good as we all mourn their senseless deaths.”

Notably, one of the first actions of President Trump was to end the legal protections granted by the Biden government for illegal immigrants who utilized the CBP One app—with Trump later repurposing the app to facilitate self-deportation. It is estimated that over 900,000 illegal immigrants utilized the CBP One app under the former Biden government to enter the United States since it launched in January 2023.

The National Pulse reported in April 2024 that illegal immigration under Biden had—at that point—approached 9.4 million, close to the volume of all legal immigration processed at Ellis Island. The federal processing facility operated from 1892, when former Civil War colonel Benjamin Harrison was President, to 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower’s government closed it down, during which time around 12 million legal immigrants passed through it.

Several surges in illegal border crossings and the Biden government’s parole policies likely resulted in millions more illegals entering the United States before Trump’s inauguration in January 2025. This means the total number of illegal immigrants that entered the United States under Biden likely ranges from 10 to 20 million.

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January 27, 2026
Immigration
News
World

Half a Million Illegal Immigrants Granted Amnesty.

PULSE POINTS

âť“WHAT HAPPENED: The Spanish government is set to approve a decree to regularize 500,000 illegal immigrants.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Migration Minister Elma Saiz and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, VOX leader Santiago Abascal.

đź“ŤWHEN & WHERE: The decree will be approved on January 27 in Spain.

đź’¬KEY QUOTE: “500,000 illegals! The tyrant Sánchez hates the Spanish people. He wants to replace them. That’s why he intends to promote the pull effect by decree, to accelerate the invasion. We must stop him. Repatriations, deportations, and remigration.” – Santiago Abascal.

🎯IMPACT: The regularization policy presents a threat to the wider European Union (EU), as once granted legal status by one EU member, migrants can typically move around the borderless Schengen Area even more easily.

IN FULL

Spain’s left-wing government is preparing to approve a decree that would grant amnesty to around 500,000 illegal immigrants, according to Migration Minister Elma Saiz. Speaking on public broadcaster RTVE, Saiz said those covered by the measure would be able to work “in any sector, in any part of the country,” and stressed what she called “the positive impact” of migration.

She added that the policy is about “recognizing and dignifying” people who are already living in Spain. The regularization would apply to migrants who have lived in the country for as little as five months and who applied for international protection before December 31, 2025, as well as their children who are already in Spain. Applications are expected to open in April and run through the end of June.

The leader of Spain’s populist, anti-mass migration VOX party, Santiago Abascal, reacted to the amnesty on X, saying, “500,000 illegals! The tyrant Sánchez hates the Spanish people. He wants to replace them. That’s why he intends to promote the pull effect by decree, to accelerate the invasion. We must stop him. Repatriations, deportations, and remigration.”

The government plans to implement the measure by decree, bypassing parliament, where the Socialist-led governing coalition lacks a majority. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has argued that Spain needs mass migration to fill labor shortages and offset the pressures of an aging population, warning that demographic decline could threaten pensions and the welfare state if left unaddressed—although it is debatable whether the typical migrant is a net contributor to the pensions and welfare systems.

Official crime data and research from the CEU-CEFAS Demographic Observatory suggest that migrants are overrepresented in certain violent crime categories, including rape and homicide, compared with native Spaniards. Those findings have fueled criticism from opposition figures and commentators who argue that large-scale regularization could worsen public safety and strain social services.

Across Europe, migration policy remains deeply divisive. European Union (EU) institutions have simultaneously promoted so-called legal pathways for migrants, including online platforms designed to attract non-EU workers to address labor shortages, while many member states have tightened national controls in response to public backlash. Notably, because of the EU’s borderless Schengen Area, migrants regularized by one member state tend to have easy access to every member state, extending the consequences of Spain’s decision far beyond its borders.

During a 2025 visit to Europe, President Donald J. Trump urged governments on the continent to “get your act together,” warning that “this immigration is killing Europe” and describing what he called a “horrible invasion.”

Image via European Union.

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