P118. The Opinion on Donald Trump's Mass Detention and Deportation Orders in European Newspapers

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Abstract

What is the opinion held by the European press on President Trump's agenda calling for the mass detention and deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States? This research aims to investigate the representation of Trump's executive orders—expanding the use of immigration detention, fast-tracking deportations by bypassing immigration judges, and reducing access to legal representation—within leading European print media. By analyzing prominent newspapers from key European countries since Trump's January 20, 2025 inauguration, Germany (Die Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and Süddeutsche Zeitung), France (Le Monde and Le Figaro), United Kingdom (The Times and The Guardian), Italy (Corriere della Sera and la Repubblica), and Spain (El País and El Mundo), the project aims to uncover the views and opinions articulated in editorial pieces, opinion columns, and news articles. The study employs a mixed-methods approach utilizing content analysis and framing theory to explore prevailing themes, frames, and narratives surrounding immigration policy, focusing on how Trump's strategy is represented in the European context. This exploration will highlight the differences and similarities in how European media outlets engage with themes of nationalism, human rights, and international relations concerning U.S. immigration policies and its criminal-legal system.

Preliminary findings suggest a complex landscape of perspectives, with some outlets portraying a critical stance on Trump's policies, highlighting concerns over human rights and international law. In contrast, others adopt a more supportive tone, resonating with nationalist sentiments and empathizing over failed immigration policies. By elucidating the intricate relationship between media representation and political discourse, this research will contribute to ongoing discussions about the role of print media in shaping perceptions of U.S. policy abroad and the broader implications for transatlantic relations. Ultimately, the project seeks to enhance our understanding of how criminal-legal immigration issues are framed globally, particularly concerning significant political leaders.

Author

• Raleigh Blasdell, North Central College