Police denounce government's 'ad hoc' management of chaotic migrant transfer to Ceuta port: "Thousands cannot fit"

The transfer of about 3,000 migrants to a camp at the Ceuta port, which has a capacity for 1,800 people, has drawn criticism from police unions over 'improvised' management and lack of resources, warning of 'risky situations'.

The police unions have raised their voices against what they view as the Government's chaotic management of transferring thousands of migrants to Ceuta port facilities. The situation, which began early in the morning, has been marked by moments of tension, with migrants breaking security cordons and police deployments occurring.
**Aarón Rivero**, the Secretary General of **JUPOL**, was forceful in stating that "thousands of immigrants cannot fit into the port," denouncing the "Government's lack of foresight" and the absence of security guarantees for officers.

## Insufficient capacity and evident risks

The main criticism centers on the alleged lack of guarantees regarding the actual capacity of the facilities made available at the port. Government sources indicated that the camp has space for about **1,800 people**, although an expansion of **2,000** additional places is planned. However, around **3,000 migrants** mobilized from the beaches of Benítez and El Trampolín toward the port this Friday. This disparity between influx and capacity has caused concern. The unions argue that the Government makes decisions and deploys units without ensuring the necessary conditions for police officers to operate safely, leaving agents on the front line to manage the consequences of this lack of planning.

## Questioning police deployment

**JUPOL** has refuted the figure of **170 officers** from the Police Intervention Unit (UIP) allegedly deployed for these transfers. According to the union, that figure corresponds to the total number of UIP personnel in Ceuta assigned to address all operational needs of the city, and not a specific deployment for this operation. They maintain that only about **70 police officers** are carrying out the transfers, accusing the Government of "playing with data" to present a false image of reinforcement. **JUPOL** demands that the Ministry of the Interior and the Directorate General of Police cease this "improvisation" and immediately provide the necessary personnel and resources to guarantee officer safety.

## Warnings of tragedy and demand for accountability

The **SUP** union has joined the criticism, even requesting the **National High Court** (Audiencia Nacional) to halt the port camp due to security risks. They have highlighted the "real risk of crush injuries, both for migrants and for officers directing the operation with minimal staff." They have warned that they will demand "accountability if a tragedy occurs," stressing that in this instance, ignorance of the situation will not be accepted. The concern is that UIP officers are being forced to face transfers in a context of "maximum operational pressure," with a high concentration of people and conditions that complicate their work and increase risks to their physical integrity.