A wave of tension gripped the small coastal village of Agia Galini in Rethymno, Crete, overnight as approximately 150 migrants disembarked at the port under the escort of a Frontex vessel.
The arrival, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, July 8, 2025, has sparked significant unrest among local residents and highlighted the ongoing challenges Crete faces in managing a surge of migrant arrivals.
Overwhelmed by Arrivals
Crete is grappling with an escalating migrant crisis, with over 1,200 individuals having arrived on the island in the past 48 hours alone. The latest group of 150 migrants arrived at Agia Galini’s port around midnight, accompanied by Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. Three buses were stationed at the port to transport the migrants, but the process was halted when local residents gathered at the scene, blocking the migrants from boarding the buses in protest of their reception and transfer.
Local authorities have described the conditions for hosting migrants as “critical,” particularly amid a heatwave and with insufficient infrastructure to accommodate the influx. The strain on resources has intensified concerns among residents and officials alike.
Local Response and Official Action
The protest in Agia Galini reflects growing unease in the community, as residents voiced their opposition to the handling of the migrant arrivals. According to reports, the mayor of Rethymno has been informed of the situation and is expected to visit Agia Galini this afternoon to engage with residents and address the escalating tensions.
Ongoing Migrant Influx
The situation in Agia Galini is part of a broader wave of migrant arrivals across Crete. In addition to the 150 migrants expected to be transferred to Rethymno, approximately 450 more individuals have reportedly arrived on boats at other locations, including Paleochora, Kaloi Limenes, and Agia Galini. The continuous flow of migrants is putting significant pressure on the island’s resources and infrastructure.
As Crete navigates this complex humanitarian challenge, local and regional authorities face the urgent task of balancing community concerns with the need to provide adequate support for the arriving migrants. The mayor’s visit today is seen as a critical step toward finding a resolution and addressing the concerns of both residents and officials.
Source: pagenews.gr