A group of far-right activists gathered in Portugal this weekend, highlighting the increasing attention on the concept of “remigration.” Once mostly discussed within extremist circles, this idea now receives more visibility. Participants of the summit cited rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration as influential in elevating the idea.
Summit Details
The event, described as a “remigration summit,” brought together around 500 activists, influencers, and political figures in Figueira da Foz, a coastal city. The focus was on proposals to remove or return migrants to their countries of origin. Attendees included members from far-right parties like Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) and Spain’s Vox, along with several figures from the U.S.
Among the American participants was Gregory Bovino, a former Border Patrol commander known for his role during Trump’s administration, especially in immigration enforcement operations. Jared Taylor, an American activist and founder of the New Century Foundation, also attended. Taylor is known for organizing the American Renaissance conference and promoting white nationalist ideology.
Significance of the Event
This summit underscores the growing transatlantic influence of political language and ideas linked to U.S. immigration policy, particularly among European far-right movements. “Remigration” is often described by proponents as the removal or return of migrants, with far-right groups in Europe associating it with policies involving mass deportations. Critics warn that it extends beyond undocumented migrants, potentially affecting legal residents and citizens, raising significant human rights issues.
Participants explicitly linked the rise of this concept to changes in U.S. rhetoric. Trump mentioned the term in a September 2024 social media post, stating that his immigration plan would return illegal migrants “to their home countries.” In a speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, he warned against migration in Europe, urging an end to what he called “open borders.”
The U.S. State Department has also proposed an “Office of Remigration” to facilitate the return of migrants, embedding the term further into policy discussions.
Inside the Summit
Austrian activist Martin Sellner, a notable figure in Europe’s Identitarian movement, co-organized the event. The summit aimed to move remigration from fringe to mainstream debate. AfD politician Kay Gottschalk attended as a listener, while other figures linked to Vox and AfD were speakers or attendees.
Former European Parliament member Jean-Yves Le Gallou emphasized that once major political leaders use such terms, it can no longer be viewed as extreme. The event had strict controls, with journalists restricted and invited influencers granted access, highlighting a strained relationship with media coverage.
The Bovino Controversy
Bovino’s presence connected U.S. enforcement policies to European far-right activism. His leadership drew national attention during immigration operations in Minneapolis in early 2026, particularly related to the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents and backlash over tactics used.
Separately, Bovino faced controversy over an olive-green overcoat worn during operations, criticized as “Nazi-coded” or similar to SS uniforms. He denied these comparisons, stating it was standard Border Patrol gear purchased early in his career.
U.S. Influence
The summit, while organized independently of U.S. government input, frequently referenced developments in the United States. Trump’s use of “remigration” and related administration proposals were cited as evidence of growing acceptance for these ideas.
Supporters claim the concept addresses national sovereignty and cultural identity issues, while critics argue it mirrors extremist ideologies like the “great replacement” theory, which sees demographic change as a threat to Western societies.
Within Europe, not all right-wing parties accept the concept. Some, such as France’s National Rally, avoid the term due to its political and historical baggage, indicating diverse opinions on immigration rhetoric.
Future Implications
The debate over remigration is expected to intensify in both the U.S. and Europe as immigration remains a central political issue. Washington may integrate the concept more into policy discussions through deportation proposals and the State Department’s restructuring. In Europe, its visibility might impact elections and alliances among far-right parties, while sparking opposition from mainstream groups and civil society.