Spain pulls 210 riot police from Ceuta and Melilla amid pre-election security concerns

The Ministry of the Interior has directed the redeployment of five anti-riot units stationed in Ceuta since the July border incursion, amounting to 210 police and guard personnel. The pullback includes three GRS platoons (around 60 agents) and two UIP groups (about 100 agents) from Ceuta, plus one UIP unit from Melilla, while two GRS platoons will stay. Authorities explain the decision stems from concerns that protests could intensify before the general election, following two serious street-violence incidents in Galicia and Asturias that injured several officers.

In Ceuta, roughly 100 agents will remain to cover night border patrols, port facilities, and a migrant camp of about 1,800 people. The city continues to operate under an emergency decree and hosts thousands of migrants in makeshift settlements. Local officials stress that the reduced presence still exceeds the normal peacetime level and can be reinforced if needed.