In a speech marking the 82nd anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, France, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sharply criticized European nations for their migration policies, calling the influx of migrants an 'invasion'. He highlighted the need for European capitals to address the issue, particularly in countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece. His remarks align with the Trump administration's hardline immigration stance, which has gained traction amid rising political tensions over migration in Europe. Hegseth warned that some European countries have become complacent regarding the freedoms secured through the sacrifices of World War II, urging current leaders to uphold these values. The speech follows Vice President JD Vance's controversial comments linking a tragic incident in the UK to migrant arrivals, which drew criticism from British officials. Despite the political contention surrounding migration, data indicates a significant decline in sea arrivals to Europe since the 2015 refugee crisis, with recent figures showing around 169,000 arrivals reported between April 2025 and March 2026. Hegseth's statements are expected to fuel further debate on migration policies in both Europe and the US.