Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the government’s determination to enforce national laws and strengthen measures against irregular migration, following the approval of a new package of proposals aimed at tightening border controls and accelerating expulsions of foreign nationals convicted of crimes. In a video statement, Meloni highlighted a case involving an Algerian citizen with 23 convictions who, despite repeated offenses, could not be held in a repatriation center and was awarded compensation for attempted enforcement actions. She framed the situation as a challenge to Italy’s ability to combat illegal immigration effectively.
Noi continueremo a difendere sicurezza e legalità, senza arretrare. pic.twitter.com/bYJ7VT5oCV
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) February 17, 2026
“So, an illegal Algerian citizen in Italy who has 23 convictions, including assault for kicking and punching a woman, cannot be held in a CPR nor be transferred to a center in Albania for repatriation. For him, some judges have even ruled not only that there will be no expulsion, but that the Ministry of the Interior will have to compensate him €700 for attempting to enforce an expulsion order. Now I think it’s legitimate to ask how we can seriously combat illegal immigration if those who repeatedly break the law remain on our soil and the state is even sanctioned for trying to enforce the rules. This despite the government’s determination to continue to work to strengthen its powers, to make the tools for combating regular immigration more effective, to guarantee security and legality for citizens, including through the initiatives that Italy is pursuing in Europe for faster procedures and effective repatriations. Italians voted for the center-right also for this reason, to reestablish clear rules and enforce them and the government is doing so with determination, despite a politicized section of the judiciary continuing to obstruct any action aimed at combating illegal immigration mass immigration. Because welcoming those who have the right is a duty, respecting Italian laws is indispensable, and anyone who doesn’t intend to do so is not welcome in Italy.”
“So, an illegal Algerian citizen in Italy who has 23 convictions, including assault for kicking and punching a woman, cannot be held in a CPR nor be transferred to a center in Albania for repatriation. For him, some judges have even ruled not only that there will be no expulsion, but that the Ministry of the Interior will have to compensate him €700 for attempting to enforce an expulsion order. Now I think it’s legitimate to ask how we can seriously combat illegal immigration if those who repeatedly break the law remain on our soil and the state is even sanctioned for trying to enforce the rules,” Meloni said.
The Prime Minister reiterated her government’s commitment to strengthening its powers to manage migration flows, ensure security, and uphold the rule of law. She underscored that Italians voted for a center-right government to restore clear rules and enforce them, and stated that those who do not intend to respect Italian laws are not welcome.
The remarks follow a broader set of recent actions by the Meloni administration. At the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, she criticized the notion that migration is inherently necessary, describing it as a selfish approach, and outlined Italy’s dual focus on curbing irregular migration while fostering cooperation and development across Africa. Shortly after the summit, the Italian government approved a 17-article immigration bill granting the Italian Navy authority to block vessels carrying migrants during periods of “exceptional pressure.” The legislation also allows for fines and confiscation of vessels that violate the blockade and enables the redirection of intercepted migrants to third countries with reception agreements.
Italy's Meloni at African Union:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 14, 2026
Those who believe that migration is necessary and indispensable are in fact acting selfishly.
If young people leave their land… what will become of the history, culture, and existence of the country they have abandoned? pic.twitter.com/jRe42yZkPR
The bill further tightens criteria for special protection, requiring legal residence, knowledge of Italian, housing stability, and financial sufficiency. It expands judicial authority to expel migrants convicted of serious crimes, family-related offenses, or participation in riots within detention centers.
In another statement Meloni has pointed to tangible results achieved in recent years: “A 60% decrease in landings and a 55% increase in repatriations.” She said the new package is a continuation of commitments made to voters and stressed that anyone wishing to live in Italy must respect national laws, or face expulsion.
“Anyone who wants to live in Italy must respect the laws of the Italian state, otherwise they will be expelled,” she said. Meloni called on Parliament to swiftly approve the measures, challenging political forces to support the package if they genuinely seek greater security, and warned against creating ideologically driven obstacles.
The proposals arrive amid ongoing pressures along Mediterranean migration routes. According to the Interior Ministry, 63,712 migrants arrived in Italy by sea this year through early December, with Bangladeshis, Egyptians, Eritreans, and Pakistanis comprising the largest groups. While reception centers have sufficient capacity, authorities cite continued arrivals even in winter conditions as justification for expanded powers to block vessels, tighten border controls, and accelerate expulsions.
If enacted, the measures would further consolidate the Meloni government’s hardline approach, expanding executive tools for maritime enforcement and streamlining the removal of foreign nationals convicted of specified crimes, reflecting a continued emphasis on national security and the rule of law amid ongoing European debates over responsibility-sharing and border management.
