Record Number of Immigrants Flock to Italy

The Spanish Civil Guard rescued 1,258 migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea from Northern Africa to Italy on October 6. Italy remains one of the few European countries that extends open arms to immigrants and refugees; however, recent surges in numbers have strained even this hospitality.

The operation that brought these 1,258 immigrants was run by the mafia, which blackmailed the captains to steer the boats and kidnapped migrants to extort money from family members. Immigrants traveled from their home countries to Libya and then were packed on inflatable or fishing boats to cross the 30 nautical miles (34.5 miles) to Italy. The passengers encountered suffocating fuel flames, burns from fuel and seawater, and hypothermia and dehydration while aboard the boats.

Italy welcomed these refugees but is finding it increasingly hard to cope with the swelling numbers. The city of Cagliari turned away two thirds of those who arrived on October 6. Congested registration locations have ceased to function, effectively stranding immigrants on their boats.

While the authorities are struggling to aid these immigrants, the local population is stepping up to help. A condominium in Genoa housing eleven refugees refused to install running drinking water and, within an hour, a hundred citizens brought bottled water, declaring, “We want to remain humans.”  Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who is frustrated at Europe’s lack of response to these immigrants, reflected the sentiment shared by his citizens. Renzi remarked, “In Europe, we have only found words. Either that changes or we will fix this problem by ourselves.”

This surge in immigration is happening across Europe yet has often been met with little to no action. Italy, while declaring open arms, is already suffering from tensions with local governments. It remains to be seen how Italy will handle and provide for the growing number of immigrants on its shores.