A migrant camp in Ventimiglia, on the Italian-French border, was demolished on Wednesday after a recent shooting left two migrants injured. The dismantling was ordered by Mayor Flavio Di Muro, who said the action was necessary to guarantee security in the city.
The camp was located along the banks of the Roya River, a known gathering spot for migrants trying to cross into France. Tensions escalated during the night of September 6 to 7 when gunfire broke out near the encampment, injuring two Tunisian migrants aged 18 and 30. One of the victims suffered serious injuries after a bullet hit an artery in his thigh, and he was taken to Santa Corona Hospital in Savona province.
Following the violence, Mayor Di Muro promised swift measures to stop the formation of illegal settlements in the area. Just days later, at dawn on September 10, police and security forces moved in to clear the site. Bulldozers were deployed to tear down the tents and makeshift shelters, while 35 migrants were taken to police barracks to verify their legal status in Italy.
The decision to dismantle the camp was made in agreement with Imperia Prefect Antonio Giaccari. Mayor Di Muro defended the intervention, calling it both “fair and necessary.” He explained that local regulations prohibit people, including migrants, from sleeping outdoors or creating unauthorized encampments.
“This operation was coordinated between the prefect’s office, the police, security forces, and the Ventimiglia municipality,” the mayor said. “We are now working on plans to ensure round-the-clock monitoring so that camps like this do not return. The bulldozer is always ready.”
Ventimiglia has long been a hotspot in Europe’s migration crisis, with many migrants attempting to reach France from Italy. Authorities have often struggled to balance humanitarian needs with public security, leading to frequent clashes over how to handle informal encampments.
The mayor insisted the move was not only about security but also about maintaining order. He stressed that future encampments would not be tolerated, warning that authorities remain on alert to prevent similar situations.
This latest incident highlights the growing challenges faced by Italian border towns, where local authorities are under pressure to respond quickly to violence while also managing the humanitarian situation of migrants who remain in limbo.