Italy's right-wing government is proposing big fines and other harsh measures against migrant boats that enter its territorial waters without permission.
Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced the proposals Tuesday, which conservative-dominated parliament is likely to pass.
Under the measure, the captain and owner of vessels that ignore orders from the Italian Coast Guard would be fined $57,000.
Anyone who uses force against officers who try to stop the ships would get up to four years in prison and repeat offenders would have their ships confiscated.
The plan would also allow Italy to use undercover agents to smash migrant smuggling rings and intercept their communications.
Italian islands and ports have usually been the first destination for migrants from North Africa crossing the Mediterranean and trying to reach the European Union.
Italy's populist government has cracked down hard on migrant vessels and charity ships since taking power.
