A gathering of far-right activists in Portugal this weekend spotlighted how the concept of “remigration”—once largely confined to extremist political circles—is gaining renewed prominence, with participants pointing to rhetoric from President Donald Trump and his administration as helping to elevate the idea.
Around 500 activists, influencers, and political figures convened in the coastal city of Figueira da Foz for a “remigration summit” focused on proposals to remove or return migrants to their countries of origin. Attendees included figures linked to far-right parties such as Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Spain’s Vox, alongside several American participants.
Among them was Gregory Bovino, a former Border Patrol commander who rose to prominence during Trump’s current term and led high-profile immigration enforcement operations. Also present was Jared Taylor, an American activist and founder of the New Century Foundation, who organizes the American Renaissance conference and has long promoted white nationalist ideology in the United States.
Why It Matters
The summit reflects the growing transatlantic influence of political language and ideas tied to U.S. immigration policy, particularly among far-right movements in Europe.
“Remigration”—typically described by proponents as the removal or return of migrants—has been widely used by far-right groups in Europe and is often associated with policies involving mass deportations. Critics argue that in practice, the concept can extend beyond undocumented migrants to include legal residents or even citizens, raising significant human rights concerns.
Participants at the summit explicitly linked the concept’s rising profile to shifts in U.S. rhetoric. Trump used the term in a September 2024 social media post in which he wrote that his immigration plan would return illegal migrants “to their home countries (also known as remigration).” Speaking before the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, he also warned that European countries were “being ruined” by migration and urged leaders to end what he called the “failed experiment of open borders.”
Additionally, the State Department has proposed creating an “Office of Remigration” as part of a broader reorganization aimed at facilitating the return of migrants to their countries of origin, further embedding the term within official U.S. policy discussions.
Inside the Summit
The Portugal event was co-organized by Austrian activist Martin Sellner, a prominent figure in Europe’s Identitarian movement who has played a key role in promoting “remigration” across the continent.
AfD politician Kay Gottschalk attended and said he was present as a listener, while Vox lawmakers and other AfD figures were listed among speakers or attendees.
Speakers framed the concept as moving into more mainstream debate. Jean‑Yves Le Gallou, a former European Parliament member aligned with the French far right, told attendees that once a term is used by “the president of a major power,” it can no longer be dismissed as fringe.
The event also drew attention for its tight controls. Journalists were restricted from entering the venue, while invited influencers were allowed access, highlighting tensions between organizers and media coverage.
Bovino Controversy and Role
Bovino’s presence underscored the connection between U.S. enforcement policies and European far-right activism.
His leadership in federal immigration enforcement drew national attention in early 2026 during operations in Minneapolis, particularly after the fatal shooting of 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents and broader backlash over enforcement tactics. His departure from the Minneapolis operation came in late January as the Trump administration reshuffled leadership and scaled back its on-the-ground presence there.
Separately, Bovino was at the center of a viral controversy over an olive-green overcoat he wore during enforcement operations. Critics on social media and political figures, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, described the garment as “Nazi-coded” or likened it to SS-era uniforms.
Bovino rejected those comparisons, saying the coat was a standard Border Patrol-issued item he purchased early in his career and had worn for decades, including during prior administrations.
U.S. Influence on the Debate
Although the summit was organized independently of Washington, its messaging repeatedly referenced developments in the United States.
Trump’s use of the term “remigration,” along with broader administration rhetoric and policy proposals tied to deportations and migration controls, was cited by participants as evidence that their ideas are gaining wider acceptance.
Supporters of the concept argue it addresses issues related to national sovereignty, cultural identity, and immigration levels. Critics say it reflects or draws from extremist ideologies, including those linked to conspiracy theories such as the “great replacement,” which claim demographic change threatens Western societies.
Within Europe, not all right-wing parties have embraced the concept. Some, including France’s National Rally, have avoided the term due to its political and historical associations, reflecting broader divisions over how far immigration rhetoric should go.
What Happens Next
The debate over remigration is likely to intensify in both the United States and Europe as immigration remains a central political issue.
In Washington, proposals tied to deportation policy and the State Department’s restructuring could further embed the concept in official policy discussions. In Europe, its growing visibility may influence elections and alliances among far-right parties, while prompting continued opposition from mainstream political groups and civil society organizations.
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