President Trump Applauds Britain’s Crackdown on Illegal Channel Crossings
President Donald Trump praised U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a visit to Scotland, applauding the Labour leader’s surprising shift toward tougher immigration enforcement. Trump’s comments came during a press stop at his Turnberry golf resort, where he met with Starmer and his wife, Victoria.
“You’re not just doing a good thing—you’re doing a fantastic thing,” Trump said. “If those boats are full of dangerous people—and they usually are—you’ve got no choice but to stop them.”
Trump emphasized the global dangers of unchecked illegal immigration, citing how other nations offload criminals, drug dealers, and violent offenders.
“They don’t send their best,” he said. “They send the people they don’t want. And we’ve seen it over and over again—countries exploiting weak border policies.”
🔒 Trump’s Record vs. Biden’s Open Borders
Under Trump’s leadership, U.S. border security reached record highs. In June, Border Patrol reported just 6,072 illegal crossings—a 93% drop compared to June 2024 under President Biden. Even more telling: zero illegal aliens were released into the U.S. interior under Trump’s policy. Biden? Nearly 28,000 were released that same month.
“We had zero illegal entries last month—other than those coming through legal means,” Trump noted.
🇬🇧 Starmer Takes a Harder Line Amid Migrant Surge
Back in the U.K., Starmer’s Labour government says it has deported more than 35,000 illegal immigrants since taking office in July 2024—a stunning number for a party once associated with open-border rhetoric.
“We’re getting on with removing those who have no right to be here,” Starmer said Monday.
🛡️ Europe at a Crossroads: Trump Sounds the Alarm
Trump warned that Europe is at risk of losing its identity if mass migration continues unchecked.
“If they don’t get it under control, you won’t recognize Europe in 10 years,” Trump said. “It’s too beautiful, too historic to let it be overrun.”
🤝 New France-UK Deal: ‘One In, One Out’
Earlier this month, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to a new policy aimed at deterring illegal crossings. The “one in, one out” deal allows the U.K. to return migrants who crossed illegally and accept legal asylum seekers in exchange.
“It’s a small step in the right direction,” Trump said. “But much more needs to be done.”
🚨 Illegal Crossings Surge Despite New Measures
Despite new enforcement efforts, illegal small boat crossings have jumped over 50% this year. In response, Starmer’s government announced the world’s first sanctions program targeting human smugglers—including boat suppliers and fake passport networks.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the plan will let authorities freeze assets, impose travel bans, and cut off smuggling gangs from the U.K.’s financial system.
🛡️ Ending the Rwanda Deportation Plan
One controversial move: Starmer scrapped the Conservative government’s Rwanda deportation policy, which aimed to remove illegal migrants swiftly. Critics say the decision weakens deterrence.
To replace it, the Labour government launched a new Border Security Command led by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The agency focuses on intelligence-based enforcement to track routes, identify smuggling operations, and tighten U.K. border control.
🇺🇸 Trump’s Global Impact Still Felt
Even out of office, Trump’s influence is reshaping how allies respond to immigration, national security, and economic sovereignty. With Trump eyeing a return to the White House, leaders abroad appear to be preemptively aligning with his America First policies.
“When strong borders return, so does safety,” Trump said. “Europe—and the U.S.—need to act now before it’s too late.”