Politics · Italy · 12 hrs ago
Thousands protest planned migrant detention centre in Castel Volturno
Thousands protested a planned migrant detention centre in Castel Volturno, in southern Italy.
Police estimated about 10,000 people joined the march at its start, while organisers said 20,000 took part after more people joined along the route.
The centre would hold migrants while authorities carry out deportation procedures, which are not criminal sentences.
Protesters say the project would worsen local problems, including environmental damage, exploitation and organised crime.
Naples’ archbishop and other church leaders backed the protest, while Campania regional president Roberto Fico said the region would oppose construction and consider legal action.
The construction contract has already been awarded to a group of companies, and the project is expected to cost more than €31 million.
The centre is due to be ready by the end of 2028, but regional lawyers will assess whether to challenge the project in court.
Thousands of people marched in Castel Volturno to oppose plans for a migrant detention centre.
The march began at the Centro Fernandes and ended at the town hall.
The police headquarters estimated about 10,000 participants when the march began, while protesters said they were 20,000.
The Campania regional president said the region would challenge construction of the centre.
Invitalia had awarded the construction contract, with the centre expected to be ready by the end of 2028.
- Who
- Thousands of protesters, including community groups, church representatives and officials, opposed the centre.
- What
- They marched against plans to build a centre for the detention of migrants pending deportation.
- When
- 24 October 2026, according to the article’s publication date.
- Where
- Castel Volturno, in the province of Caserta, Italy.
- Why
- Opponents said the centre could worsen the area’s existing problems and harm migrants’ dignity.
Opponents of the centre
Italian government
Construction
Opponents of the centre
Opponents want the Castel Volturno centre abandoned.
Italian government
The government has proceeded with the project and its construction contract was awarded.
Impact
Opponents of the centre
Opponents say the centre could worsen local problems and harm migrants’ dignity.
Italian government
Not stated
Invitalia awarded the construction contract to a consortium of companies, at a 25% discount.
The march set off from the Centro Fernandes, with the police headquarters estimating about 10,000 participants.
More demonstrators joined as the march proceeded toward the town hall.
The centre is expected to be ready.
- Protesters’ estimate
- 20,000 participants
- Police estimate
- About 10,000 participants when the march began
- Construction cost
- More than €31 million
- Contract discount
- 25%
- Planned completion
- By the end of 2028
- Proposed site
- La Piana, Castel Volturno
What people are saying
Building the CPR in Castel Volturno means not knowing the territory; it is an incredible damage.
I ask those who govern to stop, to listen to this land, to give up the Castel Volturno CPR project and to take responsibility for overcoming the CPR system.
The CPRs are a false security, because true security is built with integration and friendship.
The territory does not want this facility, and it is showing that. The migrants are distressed.