Police may enter homes without consent under Belgian plan for ICE-style immigration raids, criticised as law of fear
Police powers under the law
After obtaining a warrant, police could enter homes without consent between 5am and 9pm, potentially while children are present. Officers could detain people and search for identity documents.
Officials say the measure applies to people denied asylum in Belgium who have not obeyed orders to leave and are viewed as threats to public order or national security. MPs approved the law last Friday.
Protests and legal concerns
More than 60 protests were held across Belgium ahead of the parliamentary vote. NGOs, judges and lawyers’ associations also raised objections, with some comparing the proposal to US immigration raids.
Amnesty International says judges reviewing requests would have limited investigative powers, including restrictions on whom they could approach for further information. The organisation also says the legislation offers no way for people to appeal or challenge decisions.
Rights groups warn of harm
Amnesty International is among 20 rights groups that say the law wrongly links lack of legal status with delinquency. They said the principle that a home is inviolable should not depend on residents’ administrative status.
A campaigner named Thibaut said US home raids had fueled fear and violence and separated families. She also warned that measures of this kind could gradually weaken rights and respect for human rights.
Key points
- Belgium’s parliament approved a law permitting forced entry into homes under warrant.
- Police could enter between 5am and 9pm, detain people and search for identity documents.
- The law targets some people refused asylum who ignored orders to leave and are considered security or public-order threats.
- Rights groups say the law lacks appeal safeguards and could undermine human rights.