Return of illegal criminals from prison up by 25% under Arizona government

Under the Arizona government, the number of illegally residing criminals deported directly from prison has risen by 25%, marking the best result in seven years. “Those who have no right to stay here and break the law must leave,” says Minister for Asylum and Migration, Anneleen Van Bossuyt.

In 2024, there were an average of 105 removals per month from detention. Since September 2025, that number has increased to an average of 146 per month, according to figures from the Immigration Office. This represents a rise of roughly 25% compared to 2024. “These figures show progress, but there’s still a long road ahead. That’s why this government is stepping up the pace—so our streets are safer and our prisons less overcrowded,” Minister Van Bossuyt explains.

Targeted policy choices driving results

The increase is the result of deliberate policy decisions and the dedicated efforts of the Immigration Office. The government appointed a coordinator for prison overcrowding and reallocated staff within the Immigration Office to strengthen the return teams that follow up on prisons. The return and removal of illegally residing criminals has been given top priority, enabling faster and more efficient case handling.

Intensive cooperation across the board

Minister Van Bossuyt is now shifting into an even higher gear. In collaboration with Minister of the Interior David Quintin (MR), the government will increase escort capacity. She is also working with the ministers of Mobility and Justice on an action plan to streamline returns and Transfers The money flows from Flanders to Brussels and Wallonia are called transfers. The transfers from the federal budget, the Financing Law and social security amount to between 6 and 7 billion euros per year, and 11 billion euros if debt repayments are included. The size of the transfers is always contested by the French-speaking side or they are just referred to as normal solidarity contributions. A study by Vives (KU Leuven) revealed that the transfers did not serve solidarity, but had a paralysing effect on the growth of both the Walloon and Flemish economies. transfers to countries of origin via airlines.

Together with Minister Nicolas Matz (Les Engagés), she is expanding the capacity of closed detention centres. The possibility of renting prison capacity abroad is also being explored. In addition, Minister Van Bossuyt is working with Minister Maxime Prévot (Les Engagés) on return agreements with countries of origin, following a “something-for-something” approach. On the European level, initiatives are underway as well—such as efforts to unblock returns to Afghanistan.

“With these reinforcements, we’re accelerating the process. Returns are happening faster, and we will do everything in our power to remove illegal criminals from our territory as quickly as possible,” Minister Van Bossuyt concludes.