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Former President Donald Trump commended British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his efforts in preventing boats of illegal immigrants from crossing the English Channel, praising him for doing a “fantastic thing.”
Trump spoke to reporters alongside Starmer and his wife, Victoria Starmer, before their meeting at Trump Turnberry golf club in Scotland on Monday.
“Immigration is a significant factor. If individuals are coming from other countries and you are uncertain about their backgrounds, including whether they are coming from prisons, it poses a risk. We have seen cases where individuals have entered the country illegally, other than through legal means,” Trump stated. “Last month, we had zero unauthorized entries into the country, with the exception of those who arrived through legal channels.”
“You’re not just doing a good job, you’re doing a fantastic job,” Trump added. “While I don’t have specific details about the boats, if they are carrying individuals with criminal records, which is often the case, it’s crucial to address this issue, as other countries tend to send unwanted individuals. I have heard that you have taken a more assertive stance.”
President Donald Trump meets with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and his wife Victoria Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on Monday, July 28, 2025. (Christopher Furlong/Pool Photo via AP)
In June, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported the lowest monthly total of illegal border encounters in the agency’s history. Border Patrol made 6,072 apprehensions along the southwest border, reflecting a 93% decrease in illegal encounters recorded during the same month last year under former President Joe Biden’s administration. The Trump administration released zero illegal aliens for parole into the U.S. interior – compared to 27,766 released in June 2024 under Biden.
Starmer informed the press on Monday that the Labour government has facilitated the removal of around 35,000 individuals from the United Kingdom since assuming power in July 2024.
“We are pleased with our progress in repatriating individuals who do not have the right to remain here,” Starmer stated.
“That’s wonderful news. As someone who deeply cares for this country – I have a strong attachment to this country,” Trump responded, mentioning that his mother was born in Scotland. “It’s a remarkable place, a beautiful place. If that is the case, I offer you my congratulations.”
Trump emphasized that Europe has undergone significant changes over the past five to ten years due to mass migration.
“The situation in Europe is vastly different now. It is important for them to address this issue. If they fail to do so, the Europe we know may cease to exist. This is a magnificent region of the world, and it must be protected,” Trump expressed.
“It is imperative to prevent illegal entries,” Trump continued. “These individuals may include criminals, drug dealers, and other unwanted elements that other countries are trying to rid themselves of. It is commendable that you have taken a firm stance on immigration.”
The meeting between Trump and Starmer occurred following Trump’s negotiation of a major trade agreement with the European Union. While the agreement did not focus on immigration, it holds broader implications for U.S. economic relations with the bloc.
At a recent press conference in London, Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a “one in, one out” agreement aimed at discouraging migrant crossings in the English Channel. The agreement allows the U.K. to return and repatriate migrants who arrived in small boats from France. In return, the U.K. agreed to accept an equal number of migrants from France who have valid asylum claims and did not attempt to enter the U.K. illegally.
Starmer is under increasing pressure to fulfill his promise of deterring tens of thousands of migrants from crossing the English Channel.
Data from the British Home Office indicates that small boat crossings have increased by over 50% since January compared to the same period last year.
Last week, Starmer’s government introduced what it describes as the “world’s first” sanctions regime targeting organizations involved in smuggling migrants and facilitating small boat crossings. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that the scheme aims to disrupt the financial activities and supply chains of these entities, freezing assets, restricting access to the U.K. financial system, and imposing travel bans on offenders.
President Donald Trump meets with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, and his wife Victoria Starmer at Trump Turnberry golf club on Monday, July 28, 2025. (Christopher Furlong/Pool Photo via AP)
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Following a landslide victory in the Labour election last year, Starmer ended a controversial policy established by the previous Conservative administration that allowed for deportations to Rwanda for migrants who arrived via illegal channel crossings. In its place, British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper launched the U.K. Border Security Command, which focuses on enforcing border security, gathering intelligence to enhance border protection, identifying new routes used by small boats, and disrupting migrant smuggling operations.
