The article reflects on a significant historical moment in Italian immigration policy when then-Prime Minister Romano Prodi addressed Parliament regarding the tragic sinking of a migrant boat. Prodi's remarks emphasized the necessity of maintaining public order and safety while distinguishing between humanitarian assistance for those in genuine peril and the dangers of undisciplined immigration. This speech has resurfaced in the current political climate as contemporary leaders, like Giorgia Meloni, echo themes of security and legality in managing immigration. Prodi's comments came in the wake of a disastrous incident where an Italian military vessel sank the Kater I Rades, leading to the deaths of 105 individuals, many of whom were vulnerable women and children. His justification for the severe measures taken—closing ports—sparks a discussion about the balance between a nation's security and its humanitarian obligations. This historical precedent sheds light on the ongoing challenges Italy faces regarding immigration and the safety of asylum seekers. The implications of Prodi's speech resonate today as Italian politicians grapple with similar dilemmas surrounding immigration policy amid rising populism and anti-immigration sentiment. The reflections on past actions demonstrate the enduring complexity of this issue and call for a nuanced understanding of how history influences current policy debates concerning refugees and economic migrants.