Italian Journalists Threatened by US Immigration Agents, Sparking Outcry in Italy
A disturbing incident involving two Italian journalists being threatened by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis has sparked widespread controversy in Italy. Laura Cappon and Daniele Babbo, correspondents for Italian state broadcaster RAI, were reporting for the television program In Mezz’Ora when their car was surrounded by ICE agents.
The footage, aired on Sunday, shows the car being stopped by federal agents as the driver refuses their demands to roll down her window, with Cappon stating that they are Italian press. The driver is heard saying, “I’m not doing anything wrong, I’m just driving around my community,” before an ICE agent warns, “We are going to break out your window and extract you from the vehicle.” Another agent adds, “This is the only warning… If you keep following us… we will break your window and we will pull you out of the vehicle.”
Political Backlash in Italy
The incident has sparked an immediate political backlash in Italy, with the center-left opposition calling on the right-wing government of Premier Giorgia Meloni to protest to the US over the incident, which occurred after a protester, Alex Pretti, was shot dead by ICE agents. Giuseppe Conte, former Premier and leader of the Movimento 5 Stelle, expressed his solidarity with the journalists, stating, “We cannot accept this. Prime Minister Meloni and the entire Government must take a stand and make the voice of our country heard.”
Conte’s comments were echoed by Matteo Renzi, former Italian Premier and leader of Italia Viva, who described the threats made by ICE to Italian journalists as “unacceptable and must be forcefully rejected.” Renzi demanded an immediate stance from Meloni and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Peppe Provenzano, the Partito Democratico (PD) spokesperson for foreign affairs, called on the Meloni government to “formally protest and distance itself once and for all” and to clarify how it intends to protect Italian citizens living and working in areas where ICE operates.
Calls for Condemnation and Action
Green Party leader Angelo Bonelli also called on Meloni to condemn the incident, describing it as “mafia-like intimidation of the press in the heart of the United States.” Bonelli accused Meloni of “political subservience” to US President Donald Trump, stating, “Freedom of the press and the dignity of Italy come before any ideological alliance.” The controversy has highlighted concerns about the treatment of journalists and the role of ICE agents in the US.
The incident has sparked a heated debate in Italy, with many calling for the government to take a stronger stance in protecting the rights of Italian citizens and journalists abroad. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Italian government will respond to the outcry. For more information, read the full story Here