On June 6, 2026, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a speech at the American military cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, marking the 82nd anniversary of the D-Day landings. In his address, he drew a stark contrast between the sacrifices made by Allied forces during World War II and the current challenges facing Europe, particularly regarding migration.

Hegseth characterized the influx of migrants as an 'invasion' of European coastlines, urging nations to confront this issue head-on. He stated that the lessons of the past should guide contemporary responses to migration, emphasizing the importance of unity and resilience among European allies. Hegseth urged Europe to counter what he termed an 'invasion' of its coastline by migration.

The D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, were a pivotal moment in World War II, involving an armada of 6,939 ships and over 132,000 troops from various Allied nations. Hegseth referenced this historical event to underscore the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting democratic values.

By invoking the memory of D-Day, Hegseth aimed to inspire a renewed commitment among European nations to address current security challenges, including migration. He called for European countries to take greater responsibility for their defense, suggesting that the lessons learned from the past should inform their present actions. Hegseth also called on European countries to do more to contribute to their own defence.

Hegseth's remarks come amid a significant increase in migration to Europe, with reports indicating that between April 2025 and March 2026, there were over 169,000 sea arrivals to various European countries. This surge has raised concerns about the impact of migration on national security and cultural identity.

His comments reflect a broader narrative that has gained traction in political discourse, particularly among right-leaning factions, which argue that unchecked migration poses a threat to European civilization. Hegseth's speech serves as a call to action for European leaders to reassess their policies and strengthen their borders. His comments echoed the argument of the administration of US President Donald Trump that mass migration represents a danger to European civilization.