EU’s border chief resigns after reports of migrant pushbacks

By FRANK JORDANS and SAMUEL PETREQUIN
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — The head of the European Union’s border agency has resigned immediately following allegations that the agency named Frontex was involved in illegal pushbacks of migrants. Pushbacks force would-be refugees away from a border before they can reach a country and claim asylum. They are considered violations of international refugee protection agreements. The EU Commission says it “takes note of the resignation” of Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri following a day of speculation about his fate. The announcement came after a board meeting  of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, known as Frontex. Rights groups cheered the development, saying it gives Frontex a way to move forward and conform to EU laws on the treatment of refugees.