Severe Officer Shortage, Risk of New Surge Looms
Jupol, the main union for Spain’s National Police, has publicly stated that its police deployment in Ceuta has reached its limit and cannot cope with renewed border pressure. According to union spokesperson Laura García, there are currently only 150 riot police (UIP) officers stationed in Ceuta. These officers are responsible not only for security at the overwhelmed Temporary Stay Centre for Immigrants (CETI) and new settlements but also for maintaining public order. After accounting for shifts, the actual number of officers on duty at any given time is only about 40 to 50.
Jupol warns that this level of staffing is “completely insufficient” to handle a potential mass border crossing attempt involving tens of thousands of people. The union pointed out that at the beginning of the crisis on July 30, there were only 42 riot police officers on the ground. Although 108 reinforcements were subsequently sent, the situation remains precarious ahead of another anticipated large-scale surge on August 15. Meanwhile, Civil Guard sources have indicated that, contrary to the Interior Ministry’s claim of 2,000, at least 6,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, further intensifying local security pressures.
Government Measures Deemed Ineffective, Resource Allocation Sparks Controversy
The union sharply criticized Interior Minister Grande-Marlaska’s claim that the “situation is normalized,” calling it disconnected from reality. Jupol noted that the government’s newly installed floating sea barrier is purely for show, with spokesperson García stating that “anyone can jump over it.” The union believes the barrier’s only purpose is to legally reclassify sea crossings, allowing those who cross it to be treated as if they had “jumped the fence,” thereby enabling the “hot returns” procedure.
Even more controversial is the allocation of police forces. Jupol revealed that during the peak of the crisis on July 30, the riot police reinforcements were not immediately deployed to the border. Instead, they were prioritized to protect the motorcades and buildings visited by Prime Minister Sánchez and the Interior Minister during their inspection, a move that caused strong resentment among frontline officers.
Lack of Technical Equipment Makes Effective Enforcement a Fantasy
Jupol emphasizes that effectively carrying out maritime returns, as supported by the Supreme Court’s ruling, requires substantial technical and material resources, which are currently far from adequate. The union points out a severe shortage of essential equipment for Spain’s border enforcement units, including interception boats, drones, and high-tech surveillance systems. Without these tools, large-scale interception and returns at sea are impossible to implement effectively, even with a legal basis.
Union Calls for Comprehensive Reform and Urgent Reinforcements
Facing a deteriorating border situation, Jupol warns that if the government continues its passive and reactive approach, frontline officers will remain “abandoned,” overworked, and under immense physical and mental stress. The union has formally submitted several urgent demands to the Interior Ministry, including:
- Immediate Reinforcements: Urgently send more riot police and other law enforcement units to Ceuta.
- Update Staffing Rosters: Reform the staffing tables, which have not been updated in over 20 years, to reflect the current severe border situation.
- Provide Necessary Resources: Equip units with modern interception and surveillance technology to ensure effective border control.
- Promote Legal Reforms: Undertake a comprehensive reform of the current Immigration Law and sign effective repatriation agreements with countries of origin and transit to eliminate the “pull effect” that attracts illegal immigration at its source.
