Vice President Vance’s booing at the Winter Olympics in Italy may have seemed like a pushback against President Donald Trump’s border politics. But despite the outrage on camera, Europe remains privately aligned with U.S. immigration policies.
For many Americans, the response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement may seem confusing. A small ICE delegation sparked the usual protests and clashes over domestic scandals. But the reaction reflects something deeper: Trump’s immigration politics no longer feels like an American debate. Feels like a European.
This anxiety is not unreasonable. Migration dynamics in Europe have changed.
EU eases deportation, immigration data sharing with US
The European Parliament recently voted to allow the deportation of migrants to designated “safe” third countries, a policy long advocated by hardline governments. The move pushes the EU to further externalize asylum responsibilities – an execution-first approach that echoes increasingly dominant policies in Washington, DC.
The shift has unfolded alongside the rise of far-right parties across Europe, many of which openly admire Trump’s immigration agenda. His remarks about deportations and border crackdowns are often cited by nationalist leaders as evidence of strong support for their approach. And Trump — who considers Europe’s immigration patterns a “total immigration disaster” — isn’t afraid to use that influence.
The flags of the United States and the European Union can be seen in this illustration taken in 2025. In February 2026, the European Parliament voted to allow the deportation of migrants to designated “safe” third countries, pushing the EU to further externalize asylum responsibilities – an enforcement-first approach that echoes increasingly dominant policies in Washington, DC. European officials are also preparing a sweeping data-sharing agreement with the United States that would allow the large-scale transfer of personal information for immigration enforcement.
In Brussels, European officials are preparing a sweeping data-sharing agreement with the United States that would allow for the large-scale transfer of personal information for immigration enforcement.
Privacy watchdogs have warned that sharing data could sweep away people seen as threats by the Trump administration, putting immigrants, asylum seekers and even political activists in front of U.S. border authorities who can deny entry or detain travelers.
This is not an assumption. The Trump administration has weakened privacy protections, and last spring a French researcher was denied entry after border officials found messages on his phone critical of the U.S. president.
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The NSA’s past surveillance of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel also showed the extent of U.S. surveillance. Today, this censorship threatens to become institutionalized.
Washington warns that without a deal by December 31, Europeans could lose visa-free travel to the United States, forcing a tragic trade-off: migrant security versus prioritizing mobility.
The deal may not be limited to biometric data. Washington has begun reviewing travelers’ five-year social media history. This signals a broader view of security than many European countries are comfortable with. But if large-scale data transfers become the norm, future demands will follow.
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Is Trump testing the EU by sending ICE to Italy Winter Olympics?
I think that’s why ICE was sent to Milan, even though DHS or Diplomatic Security would cause far less controversy. ICE is the most visible symbol of Trump’s immigration agenda, and its presence is a test of how strongly European leaders will react.
Most people don’t.
This is important because the United States and Europe have historically dealt with immigration issues in different ways. Both face massive waves of immigration. But under Trump, the United States has viewed immigration primarily as a security issue, focusing on detentions and mass deportations. Despite deep divisions, Europe has traditionally struck a balance between border controls and civil society integration and partnerships.
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During Europe’s refugee crisis a decade ago, leaders didn’t rely solely on law enforcement. National governments understand their limitations and combine border controls with integration efforts and partnerships that work both at European borders and in countries of origin.
Now, however, many of the organizations that help stabilize the flow of migrants are increasingly seen as obstacles. Trump has viewed non-governmental organizations and aid groups as a threat to the “national interest”, a rhetoric that has become increasingly popular in parts of Europe.
As a Swedish parliamentarian, I have watched immigration politics in my country rapidly harden. Language once confined to the fringes has shaped the national debate, with Trump’s agenda cited as proof that a harsher model is possible.
Momodou Malcolm Jallow is a Swedish member of parliament and Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee of the Swedish Parliament. He has served in the Parliament of the Council of Europe and has a long-standing commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination policy.
To maintain its standards, Europe needs a collective response that sets limits that Washington cannot ignore. Privacy and fundamental rights should not be sacrificed through broad data-sharing agreements.
Europe still has influence. He backed down as leaders stood firm against Trump’s pressure on Greenland.
Europeans remain the largest group of overseas visitors to the United States, generating about $180 billion in annual revenue for the U.S. economy. This would give Europe weight in these negotiations if we choose to use it.
Ultimately, European negotiators should stand their ground. Visa-free travel is important but can be renegotiated. Sovereignty is different. Once Europe gives up control of privacy and immigration standards, it will be much harder to take it back.Momodou Malcolm Jallow is a Swedish member of parliament and Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee of the Swedish Parliament. He has served in the Parliament of the Council of Europe and has a long-standing commitment to human rights and anti-discrimination policy.
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This article originally appeared in USA Today: Is Trump testing the EU by sending ICE to the Italian Olympics? |Opinion
