Meloni Vows to Combat Illegal Immigration Despite Legal Setback
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated her commitment to addressing illegal immigration following a court’s decision in Rome. The court prevented the deportation of an Algerian man, a 56-year-old who has a troubling record of 23 convictions, and mandated that the Italian government compensate him for the attempted deportation.
According to La Stampa, the court sided with Redouan Larregh, who had been slated for deportation due to his perceived threat to Italian society. The ruling not only halted the deportation process but also required the Interior Ministry to pay him 700 euros.
Larregh reportedly arrived in Italy in 1995 and has never obtained a residence permit. He has faced numerous allegations of immigration violations since 2001, accumulating 23 convictions over the years for various offenses, including violent crimes against women, property damage, and issues related to the Italian government, mainly in the Liguria region.
Two expulsion orders had previously been issued against him by local authorities. Sources indicated that he had used multiple aliases, often providing false information during police questioning, and had been arrested at least 11 times.
He was detained at the Gradisca Dizonzo detention center on February 23, 2025, where he sought repatriation to Albania, claiming that the deportation was executed in a way that violated his rights, such as being restrained during the process.
In a recent video shared on social media, Meloni responded to the situation, stating, “We will continue to protect security and legality without retreating.” She expressed concern over the judiciary’s decisions, noting, “Some judges have ruled not only against his deportation but also that the Interior Ministry must compensate him.” This raises questions, she argued, about the effectiveness of fighting illegal immigration when repeat offenders remain in Italy, and countries face penalties for trying to enforce rules.
Despite these challenges, Meloni emphasized her government’s determination to bolster deportation efforts, enhancing tools to tackle illegal immigration while ensuring the safety of citizens. She mentioned Italy’s push for more efficient procedures at the European level to support deportations.
She concluded by highlighting that Italians had voted for a government that prioritizes clear rules and takes action against illegal immigration, even amid resistance from politically influenced parts of the judiciary. “Respecting Italian law is essential, and those who refuse to comply are not welcome here,” Meloni stated.
