70 NGOs Oppose EU Migration Reform Plan

More than 70 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are opposing the European Union's migration system reform plan, which is being examined by the European Parliament. The organizations compare the plan to the practices of the US immigration police, ICE.

In their joint declaration, the NGOs urge European politicians to reject the proposal, stressing that the threat is "real and immediate." The focus of the criticism is the creation of detention centers outside the EU borders for people who are not entitled to asylum.

NGOs express fears that the reform could lead to "police raids" and "racial profiling" measures, similar to those implemented by ICE. Michelle LeVoy of PICUM, an organization that supports people without legal documents, said it is contradictory to condemn ICE's practices in the US and at the same time support similar practices in Europe.

Brussels responds to the criticism, assuring that the measures will respect the fundamental rights of migrants and that the majority of European citizens support them.

Among the organizations that signed the declaration are Doctors of the World and Sea-Watch.