Global Immigration Crisis: UK and Italy Pledge Cooperation, US Targets Venezuelan Gangs

Posted on: 2024-09-17 08:45 (Beijing Time)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Monday, September 16, to discuss a pressing issue affecting both countries: immigration. The two leaders pledged to work together to combat irregular migration, a problem that has been plaguing Europe for years.

Thousands of illegal immigrants cross the Mediterranean every week, arriving in Italy and entering Europe. Similarly, many others attempt to cross the English Channel, entering the United Kingdom. This has been a persistent challenge for successive British prime ministers.

Prime Minister Starmer emphasized the need for cooperation, stating, “We also discussed the challenge of facing ‘irregular migration’. This is a problem for both our countries, but also for the whole of Europe.”

The issue of irregular migration has resulted in tragic losses of life. On September 15, a boat carrying migrants capsized while crossing the English Channel, claiming the lives of eight people. This incident brings the total number of deaths attempting to reach British shores this year to 46.

Migrants, like a Sudanese individual, expressed their fears but also their determination to reach England. “Yes, I am scared. Everyone here is scared, but we have to take the risk because we want to get to England.”

Meanwhile, Germany has implemented border checks at its land border for six months, citing “immigration and security” concerns. Residents working across the border are worried that their travel will be unnecessarily hindered.

The United States is also grappling with the consequences of irregular migration. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he had instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to launch a statewide special operation targeting Venezuelan gangs.

By declaring the Venezuelan gangs (TDA) a foreign terrorist organization, Texas aims to use the courts to stop their operations, civil asset forfeiture to seize their property, and sentence enhancements to keep them in jail longer. Governor Abbott stated, “We will use every tool at our disposal to combat these gangs and keep our communities safe.”

The Texas Anti-Gang Center will receive over $100 million in funding over the next two years to support its efforts.

This comprehensive report highlights the global nature of the immigration crisis and the need for international cooperation to address this complex issue.