On Sunday, several hundred citizens gathered to protest against the planned construction of a migrant center near the former military airport Željava, organized by the municipality of Plitvička Jezera. The protesters voiced their discontent to the government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, emphasizing their opposition to such initiatives. According to the local mayor, Hrvoje Matejčić, this demonstration came as the state officials met with local authorities for the first time to discuss plans for establishing a center that would accommodate up to 1,500 migrants and 200 staff members.

Matejčić highlighted the location's appeal due to its state ownership and proximity to the national border. However, he argued that this space, already a tourist attraction visited by up to 200,000 people annually, could be better utilized for developing tourism rather than housing a migrant facility. He insisted that there are more suitable locations available for such a center and called for the government to reconsider their plans.

The local community's strong reaction underscores growing concerns about the impact of migrant centers on regional dynamics and local economies, particularly in areas where tourism is critical. This protest reflects broader sentiments in Croatia regarding migration management and local governance, as communities express their desire for involvement in decisions that directly affect their livelihoods and social fabric.