Ceuta’s Police Union Raises Alarm Over Crisis Amid Migrant Surge
On Sunday, Spain’s Federal Police Union (UFP) expressed grave concerns over what they describe as the “absolute collapse” of the police force in Ceuta, which is currently overwhelmed by an influx of illegal migrants. The situation has escalated to the point where local police are under severe strain, dealing with a significant number of asylum requests from those who arrived during a surge starting in late July.
The union is urging the Spanish government to send reinforcements, as officers cope with increasing violence in the enclave. Reports indicate that at least one officer suffered a heart attack last weekend due to the immense stress related to their duties and was urgently taken to a local Intensive Care Unit.
According to the UFP, this heart attack exemplifies the “brutal level of stress and pressure” that law enforcement officials are experiencing due to the ongoing migrant crisis. The UFP has made its concerns known through various Spanish media outlets, especially following the alarming incident involving the officer.
As noted by El Pueblo de Ceuta, the challenges faced by Ceuta extend well beyond just the issue of migration. Thousands of illegal migrants have overwhelmed local police, contributing to a series of issues that have escalated crime rates and even strained healthcare services in the area.
Serafín Giraldo, the head of the UFP, spoke to about the situation, revealing that the officer who had the heart attack was stationed at the migration office where asylum applications are processed. He described the grueling work conditions, stating that officers are frequently working from early morning until late at night, sometimes even taking on double shifts that can exceed 15 hours.
Giraldo stressed the dire need for reinforcements, arguing that the Immigration Office in Ceuta is lacking in both manpower and resources. He pointed out that the number of asylum applications and return procedures has surged, placing additional burdens on the already overworked personnel.
The UFP has also highlighted growing security concerns for residents in Ceuta, especially at night. They reiterated the urgent need for more police, citing that current staffing levels are inadequate to manage the various disturbances, including violence and thefts, that have become increasingly common.
Moreover, the situation has led to officers confronting dangerous individuals armed with various weapons, complicating their response to emergencies. The UFP indicated that there have already been attacks on members of the State Security Forces, raising alarms about the safety of police officers while handling large disturbances without adequate support.
