Belgian minister gets 5 a.m. police costume protest over migrant arrest law

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot received a 5 a.m. home visit Wednesday from activists disguised as police officers, staging a protest against a proposed law allowing police entry into private homes to arrest undocumented migrants deemed security threats. The activists, linked to the "No Ice in Belgium" collective, said they wanted Prévot to briefly experience the law's consequences. The bill, criticized by associations, opposition parties, and the Council of State for disproportionate interference with fundamental rights, is on September's political agenda. Prévot defended the proposal, citing safeguards including mandatory prior approval from an investigating judge. The activists argued the five-day delay is too short and risks pressure on magistrates. Both sides acknowledged shared concern over Europe's far-right rise but disagreed on solutions.