‘Send Them Back’ Chants in EU Parliament: What Happened After the 2026 Return Regulation Vote, Metsola’s Response, and Amnesty’s Criticism

On 17 June 2026, the European Parliament approved the new Return Regulation — a sweeping overhaul of EU migration law aimed at speeding up deportations — by a vote of 418 to 218 with 30 abstentions . Moments after the result was announced, far-right and right-wing MEPs in the Strasbourg plenary erupted in chants of "send them back", some pumping their fists . Left-wing and other MEPs responded by chanting "shame on you" and raising their fists in protest .

President Metsola’s response and sanctions warning

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reacted to the chants by stating that the conduct was "not my type of politics" . While her initial public remarks were measured, she subsequently came under pressure from civil society and the Renew Europe group to take disciplinary action . A delegation of NGOs met with her cabinet to demand sanctions, and the Renew Europe group formally asked Metsola to consider possible punitive measures against MEPs involved in the chants . Reports indicate that at least two MEPs — Finland's Sebastian Tynkkänen and Denmark's Kristoffer Storm — were placed under investigation for alleged racist remarks and online harassment, with an official complaint sent to Metsola .

However, published news reports do not contain a direct, on-the-record quote from Metsola herself warning of specific sanctions or disciplinary measures; the available evidence shows the pressure for sanctions came from other groups and was directed to her office, not a proactive public warning issued by her. The exact status of any disciplinary proceedings remains unclear from the sources reviewed.

Amnesty International’s criticism

Amnesty International criticized both the chants and the new law in strong terms:

• On the chants: Amnesty International France and other rights groups condemned the "send them back" chants as dehumanizing and discriminatory rhetoric that normalizes xenophobia in the European Parliament .
• On the Return Regulation: Amnesty International described the law as "punitive" and a threat to fundamental rights . The organization warned that the regulation expands detention powers, extends maximum detention periods to up to 24 months (with possible six-month extensions), permits the establishment of offshore "return hubs" in third countries for indefinite detention, and allows home searches and property seizures for non-cooperation with deportation orders . Amnesty also raised alarm that the law could endanger the principle of non-refoulement — the prohibition against returning people to countries where they face persecution — and may result in the detention of minors .

Key provisions of the Return Regulation

The Return Regulation, described by Euronews as "the bloc's toughest shift in migration policy in decades" , introduces several controversial measures:

• Extended detention periods: Migrants can be detained for up to 24 months, with possible six-month extensions .
• Offshore return hubs: EU countries may set up deportation centres in third countries where migrants can be held indefinitely .
• Home searches and property seizures: Authorities can search private residences and seize property from individuals who refuse to cooperate with deportation orders .
• Minors at risk: Only unaccompanied minors are explicitly exempt from detention in return hubs, meaning families with children could be detained .

The International Rescue Committee described the return hubs as "legal black holes" where rights protections cannot be ensured , while a coalition of 70 rights groups warned the reform would enable "ICE-style immigration enforcement" .

Political fallout and next steps

The vote saw the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) rely on support from right-wing and far-right groups to secure a majority . Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the regulation "a major success" . German MEP Michael Bloss wrote on social media that the "lynch-mob atmosphere in Parliament is shameful" .

The law still requires formal approval from the 27 EU member governments before full implementation . Civil society organizations, including Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, OXFAM, and ILGA-Europe, have called on Metsola to take a stronger stance against the discriminatory rhetoric and to safeguard fundamental rights in the implementation of the new rules .