Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has reacted sharply to an incident involving an illegal migrant throwing a ticket inspector out of a train, saying “If you enter Italy illegally, you will be deported”.
Meloni, Italy’s hardline leader, reaffirmed her government’s strict stance on illegal migration stating, “I will save my country and won’t allow Italy to become Europe’s refugee camp”.
The ticket inspector, who was attacked while discharging his duty by checking passengers’ tickets, survived, but the incident has heightened tensions surrounding the issue of illegal immigration.
Meloni’s statement follows a wave of increased scrutiny on immigration laws as her administration aims to curb the influx of illegal migrants into the country.
The Italian Prime Minister, who has consistently supported the idea of stricter immigration controls, emphasized that her government would not tolerate any violations of the law.
“…my government is committed to saving this country and ensuring Italy does not become Europe’s refugee camp.”
Europe’s unauthorized immigrant population has grown, chiefly due to a surge of asylum seekers. While the US has a larger number of unauthorized immigrants, it consists mostly of people from Latin America, in particular Mexico, who entered the country illegally more than decades ago.