The small island of Lampedusa forms something of a natural life raft. While belonging to Italy, it sits around a hundred miles front the Tunisian coast, making it a strategic landing place throughout history — and a natural shelter for people seeking safety.

In just over twenty-four hours last week, over seven thousand people arrived on the island. While crossings have peaked in the low thousands before, this number is unusually large. In completing their journey across unforgiving seas these people were fortunate; in 2015, the route became the world’s most lethal. But even after reaching a supposed place of safety, it became clear their ordeal was not over. Thousands were left sleeping outside in the heat, with little to no food and water, and many were corralled and beaten by police.

For right-wing critics of migration, the emergency became a cause célèbre, stark proof that Europe is being swamped and needs to sharpen her defenses. Breathless speculation on a “naval blockade,” as proposed by far-right leader Giorgia Meloni before her election last fall, circulated afresh. The problem is, almost nothing these critics have said about the topic is accurate.