A heated debate unfolded in SVT's Aktuellt between migration minister Johan Forssell (M) and Annika Hirvonen (MP) on deportations of teenagers raised in Sweden. The issue of separating 18-year-olds from their families sparked strong reactions, as the opposition calls for legal changes. The government is considering transitional rules for young people dependent on their parents.
The debate in Aktuellt on February 6, 2026, focused on migration policy, particularly teenage deportations. Annika Hirvonen (MP), the party's migration spokesperson, highlighted cases where 18-year-olds received deportation orders from the Migration Agency despite growing up in Sweden with parents and siblings who are allowed to stay.
Migration Minister Johan Forssell (M) defended the system, stressing that independent courts make individual assessments. "I actually think it's quite ridiculous. We have a legally secure migration policy," he said. Hirvonen countered: "The courts haven't done anything wrong; the courts have followed your law. And it's the law that we must change."
Hirvonen criticized the government's policy as intentionally deporting as many as possible and creating poor conditions. Forssell emphasized the importance of regulated immigration for integration: "If you get a rejection and have no protection grounds, then you actually have to return home."
The background involves proposals from MP, V, and C to stop the deportations, including extended family immigration up to age 21 and reinstatement of humanitarian protection grounds. The Social Democrats (S) have said no but are open to cooperating with the government, which is now examining transitional provisions for 18-year-olds dependent on their families.
Internal criticism within S is growing. Per Ribacke, an S leader in Alvesta, called the party's no "the last straw" and demanded humanity: "We cannot split families." Niels Paarup-Petersen (C) described S's stance as absurd and urged legal changes, inspired by cases like four-year-old Raif in Malmö, who is being deported alone to Bosnia. Malte Tängmark Roos (MP) has contacted Forssell about the case and demands the best interests of the child in decisions.
Forssell has responded that he trusts the Migration Agency's assessments and sees no immediate reason for change, despite pressure from Malmö MPs who want to introduce a 'lex Raif' for children born in Sweden.
